Cheslin Kolbe wasted little time in adapting to his new surroundings with a sensational debut performance in the opening round of Japan’s Division One.
– Cheslin Kolbe marked his first appearance in Japan’s top-flight with a man-of-the-match performance in a 52-26 away win against reigning champions Kubota Spears. Kolbe played at fullback and was joined in Suntory Sungoliath’s lineup by All Blacks captain Sam Cane. Lock David Bullbring scored a try for a Spears featuring a handful of South Africans, including second-row partner JD Schickerling, centre Rikus Pretorius, replacement hooker Schalk Erasmus and lock Ruan Botha.
Fantastic line down the outside by Cheslin Kolbe. Involved in the first try of the game for @sungoliath #SaffasAbroad | #LeagueOne pic.twitter.com/nj6wKrzeHr
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) December 2, 2023
– Damian de Allende returned to action against his Springbok teammates as Wild Knights thrashed Canon Eagles 53-12. Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk started for the Eagles, who had former Stormers flank Kobus van Dyk in their lineup.
– Kwagga Smith provided a timely impact from the bench in a try-scoring appearance as his Blue Revs side lost 43-30 to Brave Lupus. All Blacks flyhalf Richie Mounga made his first start for Brave Lupus, slotting four conversions on debut.
Captain Kwagga Smith is back from the World Cup and has returned to scoring tries for @bluerevs
Nice boomfa too 💥 #SaffasAbroad | #LeagueOne pic.twitter.com/FO4NTPl7ra
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) December 10, 2023
– Pieter-Steph du Toit started at No 8 as Toyota Verblitz began their campaign with a hard-fought 15-8 victory over Black Rams. Du Toit was joined in Verblitz’s lineup by All Blacks pair Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith.
– Former All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick scored twice on debut as Kobe Steel hammered newly-promoted Honda Heat 80-15. Springbok lock Franco Mostert started for the Heat, who had centre Dawid Kellerman on the bench.
Photo: Toru Hanai/Getty Images