Setareki Tamanivalu, the Flying Fijians centre, delivered an outstanding performance for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, leading them to a dramatic 26–22 victory over Shizuoka BlueRevs in the Japan Rugby League One competition last night. His remarkable skills were pivotal in this closely contested match, showcasing his ability to shine under pressure.
The Brave Lupus began the evening with strong control, taking advantage of their possession and territory to establish a 19–12 lead at halftime. It appeared that they were set for a straightforward win. However, the BlueRevs rallied in the second half, leveraging key moments to take the lead with a converted try and a penalty goal, which brought the score to 22–19 and placed Toshiba in a difficult situation.
Just when the pressure was mounting, Tamanivalu stepped up in a big way. In the 64th minute, he executed a powerful run through the BlueRevs’ defense to score a crucial converted try, regaining the momentum for his team. This pivotal play ultimately determined the outcome of the match, allowing the Brave Lupus to relish their hard-fought victory alongside their passionate fans.
Tamanivalu’s impressive contribution not only underscored his vital role in the midfield but also marked Brave Lupus’ second straight win of the 2025–2026 season, setting them on a positive trajectory early in the competition. This victory bodes well for the team’s aspirations as they continue to build on their early success in the league.