Japan Rugby League One: Round 2 - Richie Mo'unga stars as Brave Lupus hold off BlueRevs

Fly-half Richie M’ounga set the tone for Brave Lupus early, crossing for the opening try in the sixth minute and giving his side an early platform. Despite trailing 19-5 late in the first half, Shizuoka hit back through former NRL winger Valynce Te Whare and dual international Charles Piutau, who scored his first try of the season to give the hosts the lead. Brave Lupus’ All Black and Flying Fijians centre Seta Tamanivalu crossed with 15 minutes remaining, proving the difference as the champions held on for a hard-fought victory.

Saitama Wild Knights continued their scintillating start to the season with a 37-19 triumph over Urayasu D-Rocks. Hooker Atsushi Sakate stole the headlines with a first-half hat-trick, while the D-Rocks fought valiantly, narrowing the gap late in the match. The result sees Saitama sitting second in the table, just behind Tokyo Sungoliath, who powered to a 43-25 victory over Toyota Verblitz. Springbok Cheslin Kolbe starred with two tries and a 17-point haul, while Verblitz’s All Black scrum-half Aaron Smith scored his first try of the season in a losing cause.

Kubota Spears produced an impressive finish to defeat BlackRams Tokyo 50-28. Spearheaded by All Blacks scrum half TJ Perenara, who reignited the contest with a second-half try, Spears’ relentless finish ensured they secured valuable points. Meanwhile, Kobe Steelers and Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars recorded their first wins of the campaign, with Kobe overcoming Mie Honda Heat 28-23 and the Dynaboars edging Yokohama Canon Eagles 17-10 in the Kanagawa derby. Pieter Scholtz’s red card added tension to the closing stages, but Dynaboars held firm.

Division Two saw Hanazono Kintetsu Liners continue their dominance, dismantling Green Rockets Tokatsu 40-10, while Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks also remain unbeaten after a 40-27 win over Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex. Former Wallaby Toutai Kefu celebrated his first win as Nippon Steel Kamaishi Seawaves coach, seeing his side beat Hino Red Dolphins 36-14. Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi crushed RedHurricanes Osaka 49-6, reinforcing their status as early contenders.

In Division Three, SkyActivs Hiroshima continued their unbeaten streak with a 57-7 thrashing of Kurita Water Gush Akishima, while Yakult Levins Toda and SAYAMA SECOM RUGGUTS secured wins over Chugoku Electric Power Red Regulions (18-10) and Le RIRO Fukuoka (33-20) respectively.

With the league still in its early stages, the tight encounters and high-scoring affairs highlight the unpredictability and excitement of Japan Rugby League One. Players like Kolbe, M’ounga, Tamanivalu, and Sakate are showing why League One is a hotspot for world-class talent, while the younger teams are learning the fine margins of competing at the top level. As the season progresses, it promises more high-stakes action and drama for fans both in Japan and watching from afar.