Rugby: Brave Lupus beat Steelers in League One All Blacks reunion

KOBE (Kyodo) — New Zealand star Shannon Frizell scored four tries Sunday as Brave Lupus Tokyo beat Kobe Steelers 46-39 to extend their Japan Rugby League One season-opening winning streak to three matches.

Frizell’s fellow All Blacks — World Rugby’s 2023 player of the year Ardie Savea, Brodie Retallick, and Richie Mo’unga — also played in the match at Kobe’s Noevir Stadium. The home team had one last chance to snatch a draw with a converted try after the hooter, but Brave Lupus regained possession to end it.

Frizell ran in two tries either side of halftime, with his fourth try pushing Brave Lupus’ lead to 46-32 in the 74th minute.

“It’s good to be here in Kobe for the first time,” Frizell said. “It was good to get a win in the last game of the year. I’m looking forward to a break, going home and going into 2024.”

The Tokyo-based club outscored their opposition six tries to five, while Mo’unga kicked 16 points for Brave Lupus.

Atsushi Hiwasa scored two tries in the final 10 minutes for the Steelers, who suffered their first loss.

Earlier Sunday, an 83rd-minute try by Kenta Iemura gave Shizuoka BlueRevs a 23-19 victory over defending champions Kubota Spears. Tokyo Sungoliath defeated Division 1 newcomers Mie Heat 34-16.

After three rounds, Saitama Wild Knights lead the 12-team table with 15 points, one ahead of Brave Lupus.