Former Wallaby and Tongan international fullback Israel Folau has continued his prolific try-scoring exploits by scoring less than sixty seconds into the new Japan Rugby League One season.
Folau’s team renamed Urayasu D-Rocks, formerly known as NTT Communication Shining Arcs, kicked off their new season in Division II against the Mie Honda Heat, who featured Pumas star Pablo Matera.
From the first lineout play of the game, the D-Rocks used a deliberate overthrow to No 12 Tukwuka Tone to crash the ball up before playing wide on the next phase.
Former Blues playmaker Otere Black linked with Folau, putting the fullback into a half-gap which was more than enough for the dynamic runner.
Folau ghosted through the Heat defence and beat five players untouched to score next to the posts and give the D-Rocks a 7-0 lead.
Former Chiefs and New Zealand age grade rep Caleb Trask helped the Heat get back into the game with a penalty and an assist on a try to second five-eighth Fraser Quark but two yellow cards in quick succession proved costly.
The D-Rocks built a 24-17 lead before half-time before a catastrophic play coming out of their own 22 gave the Heat a gift try to get back level.
A pinpoint crossfield kick by Otere Black put winger Larry Surunga away down the right hand touchline for a try to give the D-Rocks the lead early in the second half 29-24.
Two more penalties by Black kept the Heat at bay and secured a 35-27 win for the D-Rocks.
In other second division results, Hino Red Dolphins logged a big 48-26 win over Kamaishi Seawaves while Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks play Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi on Sunday.