Aussies Abroad: Doncaster duo help English Cup boilover as Japanese contingency runs wild

Mon, Feb 10, 2025, 10:31 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Aussies filled the try-scoring sheets in Japan. Photo: JRLO
The Aussies filled the try-scoring sheets in Japan. Photo: JRLO

The Six Nations' actions rolled on, however, it didn't stop the Australians from having a big impact in Europe.

There were some big performances in England and France, whilst the Japanese competition was filled was Australians on the try-scoring sheets.

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Rugby.com.au presents the best of the Australians overseas in 'Aussies Abroad'

Premiership Rugby Cup

The magic continued for the Aussies in the Championship as scrumhalf Alex Dolly and prop Conor Davidson helped Doncaster upset Sale.

The Knights went into the contest as double-digit underdogs, but Dolly proved the hero, kicking the winning penalty with nine minutes to go.

Dolly also had three turnovers, whilst prop Davidson came on with 30 minutes to go to close out the win.

Jordy Reid crossed early for Ealing but couldn’t inspire them to victory as Harlequins took out the 32-10 win.

For Northampton, Josh Kemeny and Angus Scott-Young scored the opening two tries in a 50-23 win over Coventry.

Japan

It was a big day for the Australian forwards, as Matt Philip, Liam Gill and Harry Hockings all scored over the weekend.

Philip was one of Yokohama’s best in their 30-22 defeat to Kubota Spears, who were without Bernard Foley, crossing for a try whilst saving one on defence.

Hockings’ try proved the difference in Tokyo Sungoliath’s 31-29 win over Kobe Steelers.

Fellow Aussie Sean McMahon set up a try and recorded 16 tackles.

As for Gill, he had two turnovers, two line breaks, and a try assist to go with his five-point in BlackRams Tokyo's 32-22  defeat to Shizuoka BlueRevs.

Meanwhile, Samu Kerevi and Tom Banks had a shootout in Urayasu D-Rocks’ 31-26 win over Honda Heat.

Kerevi’s six tackle busts helped break open the game and get the D-Rocks their first win of the season before Banks scored late, capping off a strong afternoon that saw the fullback break seven tackles and run for 155 metres.

In Division Two, Colby Fainga’a and Spencer Jeans started as Kyushudenryoku KyudenVoltex took down RedHurricanes Osaka 25-20 in a thriller.

With the scores tied at 20-all, Fainga’a broke through the line and set up the game-winner in the 83rd minute.

France

The Top 14 remain off for another week, leaving attention to turn to Pro D2.

Former Wallabies forwards Izack Rodda and Ned Hanigan helped Provence to a 38-21 win over USO Nevers.

Hanigan recorded two turnovers in the win, whilst Rodda helped control the set-piece game in the victory.

Ryan McCauley crossed for Valence in their 23-17 win over Dax.

McCauley played the full 80 minutes and had three dominant tackles.

In other results, Joe Powell came off the bench in US Montauban’s 36-14 victory over Agen whilst Caleb Timu scored in a 36-24 defeat for Colomiers against Grenoble

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