Koroibete and Kerevi bolster Wallabies Test hopes with standout performances in Japan
Wallabies stars Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi have strengthened their cases for selection in this year’s British & Irish Lions series with impressive try-scoring displays in Japan Rugby League One over the weekend.
Koroibete crossed the line in both halves as Saitama Wild Knights dominated Verblitz in a 55-17 thrashing, showcasing his finishing ability in tight spaces. Kerevi, meanwhile, continued his strong form by notching his sixth and seventh tries of the season, both long-range efforts in Urayasu D-Rocks’ 33-22 loss to Yokohama Eagles.
While Israel Folau went without a try on his first appearance for the D-Rocks since January, Joey Manu found the scoreboard once again. The former NRL standout claimed his 10th try of his debut season with a spectacular leap over two defenders to collect a high ball from fly-half Shinya Komura, briefly closing the gap to just five points. However, Michael Hooper’s team lost momentum following a yellow card for repeated infringements.
Verblitz’s hopes were further dashed when Kosei Miki received a red card in the second half for a dangerous head contact. That opened the floodgates, as the Wild Knights ran in five tries in the final 20 minutes to seal the win and confirm their place in the playoffs.
It marked Robbie Deans’ ninth consecutive win over Steve Hansen, his fellow former international coach, since the two took up roles in Japan.
Elsewhere, Bernard Foley’s Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay also secured a playoff spot with a commanding 42-14 win over Black Rams Tokyo.
However, Dave Rennie endured a torrid outing as his Kobe Steelers were crushed 73-28 by reigning champions Brave Lupus Tokyo, who ran in 11 tries. Shannon Frizell, fresh off a 10-minute hat-trick last week, added another two tries in just seven minutes.
In other action, veteran Wallabies flanker Sean McMahon bagged a brace in Tokyo Sungoliath’s 60-31 victory over Mie Heat, while former Dolphins rugby league centre Valynce Te Whare delivered a try-scoring, man-of-the-match display to lead Shizuoka BlueRevs to a 38-8 win over Sagamihara Dynaboars.
