Springbok teaches Aussie Manu valuable lesson in Japan

Two-time NRL premiership winner Joseph Manu didn’t have to look far for inspiration in terms of what he needs to do if he is to master his new code.

Manu’s sixth game of rugby union ended in defeat when Verblitz lost to the Yokohama Eagles in Japan Rugby League One on Saturday.

The Eagles were led to their 24-20 victory by Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel, who gave his novice opponent a lesson, scoring one try and playing a hand in setting up two others.

Although Verblitz have been boosted by the arrival of Michael Hooper, the game came too soon for the ex-Wallaby skipper to be involved, as he resumes his career after a two-year break.

Verblitz are eighth on the 12-team table.

Saitama Wild Knights are unbeaten and warmed up for next weekend’s top-of-the-table clash against Brave Lupus by overrunning Samu Kerevi’s Urayasu D-Rocks, 53-26.

Despite Kerevi providing some touches of class in his first appearance since the second round, D-Rocks were no match for last year’s beaten finalists and remain winless.

Brave Lupus, who have lost just once in their past 15 matches, prepared for the grand final rematch with a comfortable 35-12 win over Mie Heat on Sunday.

All Black Brodie Retallick scored a try, but also received a yellow card, in the Kobe Steelers’ 44-15 stroll against Black Rams Tokyo.

The Kobe skipper went off for a professional foul, but later burst through some flimsy defence on a 30-metre run for his fifth try of the season.

Dave Rennie’s men are sixth after back-to-back wins, but level on points with Shizuoka Blue Revs, who suffered a surprise 33-14 defeat at home to Tokyo Sungoliath.

The visitors scored the final three tries, including one by ex-Queensland Reds second-rower Harry Hockings, after former NRL player Valynce Te Whari had opened the scoring for the Blue Revs. The one-time Dolphins winger ran 95 metres for the fourth try of his maiden Japanese season.

Despite a poor goal-kicking display in the absence of Wallaby Bernard Foley, Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay were untroubled by Sagamihara Dynaboars, winning 40-12 to move into the top four.