Cheslin Kolbe and ex-Wallabies powerhouse star as Suntory end winless streak with Sean McMahon scoring a long-range blinder
Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe starred as Suntory Sungoliath ended their winless streak to start the Japan Rugby League One season.
The historically strong side have endured a tricky start to the new season, losing their opening four games, but turned things around against the Honda Heat on Sunday in a 27-19 victory.
World Cup winner Kolbe weighed in with a try and an assist in the win over fellow Springboks star Franco Mostert while ex-Wallabies forward Sean McMahon scored a blinder.
Kolbe stars for Suntory
Kolbe caused early headaches for Honda Heat and was only denied an early try by an excellent cover tackle by former Chiefs centre Jonathan Faauli.
The 31-year-old would not be denied twice as he once again got the ball in space out wide and he sprinted away to score in the 17th minute which was in response to Honda’s first through Talifolofola Tangipa.
Kolbe played a small part in the next try as he stepped in as the first receiver and delivered a superb flat ball out to McMahon after a lineout. The former Wallabies rampaged through the initial defensive line before putting on the fancy footwork and sprinted away to score a stunning long-range solo try.
That score gave Suntory an 18-7 half-time lead. The second-half proved to be a lot tighter with Haruhiko Uemura scoring early for Honda Heat before Tangipa grabbed his second on the hour mark.
Mikiya Takamoto added penalties and a drop goal to ensure his side stayed ahead as Suntory clinched the victory despite the best efforts of Los Pumas star Pablo Matera.
Kolbe finished the match with 60 running metres from his seven carries, beating four defenders, while McMahon racked up 92 metres from 13 carries and beat an impressive 10 defenders.
Results elsewhere
Following next week’s bye, Suntory face a stiff challenge in the form of the Blue Revs who are captained by Springboks loose forward Kwagga Smith.
Smith’s side have won four of their opening five matches and will head into the clash with real confidence after defeating the defending champions Toshiba Brave Lupus 34-28 this weekend.
Former All Blacks starred in the clash with Richie Mo’unga and Seta Tamanivalu scoring for Brave Lupus but their efforts were undone by fellow countryman Valynce Te Wahare who crossed for two tries with Charles Piutua also grabbing a five pointer.
