Wallabies abroad: Aussies triumphant in Japan

Mon, Jan 8, 2018, 3:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Digby Ioane scored for the Wild Knights in a big win at the weekend. Photo: Getty Images
Digby Ioane scored for the Wild Knights in a big win at the weekend. Photo: Getty Images

Japanese Top League action took centre stage at the weekend, as playoff action kicked off.

Here's how each of the Aussies in action abroad fared.

TOP LEAGUE

David Pocock skippered Panasonic Wild Knights to a hard fought 17-11 win over Toyota Verblitz, Digby Ioane crossing for a first half try.

Sam Wykes and Daniel Heenan also suited up for the Wild Knights, forming an all Australian lock pairing.


Matt Giteau starred for Suntory in their 49-7 thumping of Yamaha Jubilo, scoring a try and slotting six conversions in the win.

Campbell Magnay entered the fray from the bench for the Sungoliath, while Sean McMahon starred with a typically industrious performance at No. 8.

Ed Quirk started for Canon in their thrilling 31-30 win over Kubota, leaving Peter Kimlin, Cadeyrn Neville, Sam Greene and the Toyota Shuttles as the only Australians to not record a win at the weekend, falling 27-17 against the Shining Arcs.

Harry Jones also came off the bench and scored a late try for the Shuttles but Greene struggled to find his radar off the kicking tee, slotting one of three conversions.

PREMIERSHIP

Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Toomua and Nick Malouf got the better of Saia Faingaa in Leicester's clash with London Irish, Toomua scoring a critical try from inside centre in the 19-15 win.

James O'Connor lined up at fullback for Sale, who snuck home with a 30-29 win win over James Horwill's Harlequins.James O'Connor and Sale snuck home at the weekend. Photo: AFPA try to former Queensland hooker James Hanson wasn't enough to get Gloucester over the line against Rob Horne's Northampton, while Will Skelton came from the bench to play a part in Saracens' second half blitz of Wasps.

Lachie Turner was a late out for Exeter but Nic White and Greg Holmes featured for the Chiefs, who fell 28-20 to Newcastle.

TOP 14

Semi Radradra's Toulon could only manage four penalties in their loss to Brive but Jake McIntyre was on song in Agen's 30-3 win over Castres, slotting 15 of his team's points total off the kicking tee.

Curtis Browning and Brock James came off the bench for Oyonnax and La Rochelle, respectively, as the two teams played out a thrilling 38-all draw.

Paul Alo-Emile's Stade Francais fell to an Aaron Cruden led Montpellier, while Luke Jones' Bordeaux proved too good for Liam Gill, Mike Harris and Lyon.

PRO 14

Two prominent Aussies squared off when Ulster took on Leinster, with Christian Lealiifano unable to generate enough points at flyhalf against a red hot Leinster and Scott Fardy.

Share
Carter hails Force's defensive 'game-winning moments'
Super Rugby Pacific 2024 TOTW: Looking at the best Australian performers from Round Nine
The Wallaroos have signed a landmark deal with Cadbury. Photo: Kaz Watson
Wallaroos ready to back up support after landmark Cadbury deal
Brumbies set for Alaalatoa boost after Blues defeat