Shock Play Stuns Wallaby Star, Robbie Deans' Side Suffers First Loss
Shock Play Stuns Wallaby Star, Robbie Deans' Side Suffers First Loss
Marika Koroibete was stunned after some quick thinking led to a game-sealing try that gave the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights their first loss of the year.
Wallabies star winger Marika Koroibete was left stunned after some quick thinking snatched a game-sealing try to hand the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights their first loss of the season.
The Shizuoka Blue Revs snapped a 14-game winning streak by Robbie Deans’ side to defeat the previously undefeated Japan Rugby League One leaders.
The Blue Revs held a 32-25 lead, with the Wild Knights within touching distance with 10 minutes remaining, when the game’s pivotal play unfolded.
A long kick by former Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall from a midfield scrum flew over the head of Koroibete. As he chased back to cover it, the ball bounced awkwardly, causing the Wallaby to fumble it into touch.
However, the ball did not roll that far over the sideline, and quick thinking by Blue Revs right wing Eito Maki helped things progress.
Maki, who had chased the kick, grabbed the ball and took a quick lineout, hitting Blue Revs flanker Takuma Shoji on the burst at full speed, with no Panasonic players in sight.
Koroibete was not expecting the play and could only watch Shoji go over untouched, stuck defending a 2-on-1, with no teammates near.
The stunning score gave the Blue Revs a 37-25 lead that all but sealed the upset win.
A late maul try inflicted more damage on Panasonic, as the visitors took a 44-25 victory.
In other Japan Rugby League One action, Tokyo Sungoliath won a low-scoring battle against the Yokohama Canon Eagles, 11-9.
The Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo beat Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars 52-19.
Will Genia’s club, Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, picked up their first win of the season with a shock 34-33 win over Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Watch the Blues Revs stunning play below:
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