Damian McKenzie and Israel Folau star in Japan

Damian McKenzie and Israel Folau star in Japan

By Semi Turaga
Wednesday 12/01/2022
Damian McKenzie and Israel Folau

Damian McKenzie had no problems filling the big boots of Beauden Barrett as he made an impressive start to his Japanese club rugby career.

McKenzie, taking over from fellow All Black Barrett as the star import at the Tokyo Sungoliath was instrumental in their 60-46 win over the Brave Lupus in the opening weekend of the revamped 2022 League One season.

McKenzie kicked nine goals - four conversions and five penalties - for 23 points.

Playing at fullback, he sparked plenty of counter-attacks in the high-scoring affair.

Recalled Wallaby Sean McMahon scored three tries for the Sungoliath who are looking to go one better this year after finishing runner-up in 2021.

Meanwhile, controversial Australian cross-code star Israel Folau, made a winning return to rugby as he joined the Japanese scene.

He scored two tries in the Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu’s 24-23 win over the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Israel Folau showed his old form in a new start with rugby in Japan.

It was Folau’s first official rugby game since his controversial split with Rugby Australia in 2019. He has played league in France and on the Gold Coast since then but is now back in business in Japan.

The kick-off to the 2022 season wasn’t without problems with Robbie Deans’ champion Saitama Wild Knights forced to forfeit their game against the Kubota Spears because of player inviolabilities due to the Covid pandemic.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Woman dies in Raiwaqa fire
A woman has lost her life in a fire at the Jittu Estate Settlement in Raiwaqa, which occurred around 2.30 this afternoon. In an interview with fiji...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
We will lose players but we have player development programs – Drua Coach
There's no doubt we will lose the cream of the crop as some of the young players want to make massive money for their family's future. Swire ...
5 hours ago

Many hit back after PM calls on people to take issues directly to Govt rather than the media
I encourage all concerned citizens to bring their issues directly to the relevant government officials rather than to the editors of daily ...
6 hours ago

House on fire in Raiwaqa
A house in a settlement opposite Rups Raiwaqa is currently on fire. National Fire Authority trucks are currently at the scene. Stay with us for ...
7 hours ago

Evictions expected as TLTB cracks down on unpaid rent
The i-Taukei Land Trust Board is urging tenants with outstanding payments to settle their payment immediately, as part of this initiative, eight ...
10 hours ago

Sanatan Dharm’s registered members to receive discounted medical services with PSH
Good news for registered members of the Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, who will now benefit from discounted medical services. The new ...
10 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
17 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
18 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
19 days ago

TOP