RICHIE Mo’unga scored two tries to lead champions Brave Lupus Tokyo to a 33-22 win over Toyota Verblitz.
The clash at Toyota Stadium pitted Mo’unga against his former New Zealand half-back partner Aaron Smith, starting at No.9 for Steve Hansen’s struggling Verblitz.
Mo’unga scored the opening try in the third minute after Brave Lupus winger Jone Naikabula broke through.
Todd Blackadder’s side led 21-10 at the break despite having finished the half with 14 men after Shannon Frizzell was fortunate to only see yellow for a dangerous hit on former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, who scored Toyota’s first try in the 31st minute.
Siosaia Fifita’s converted try brought the hosts to within a score at 26-22 with six minutes left, but a stolen lineout near the Toyota tryline led to Mo’unga sealing the match.
“Toyota really put pressure on us today and the weather played a big part in that, but we’re happy to get the win,” Mo’unga said. “Nuggy (Smith) is a world-class player. It’s always good to play old friends and awesome to see him still playing really well.”
Shizuoka BlueRevs sprang an upset by holding on for a 22-17 victory against the previously unbeaten Saitama Wild Knights, who will meet Brave Lupus on Saturday in a top-of-the-table battle between last season’s finalists.
Kobelco Steelers saw off Honda Heat 47-5and Canon Eagles came unstuck 27-20 at home to Black Rams.
International Rugby
Will Genia backs the Henry Pollock hype but feels England need to be more fluid
The best betting sites
