Fiji Water Flying Fijians centre Setareki Tamanivalu shone brightly under pressure, guiding Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo to a thrilling 26–22 win against Shizuoka BlueRevs in the Japan Rugby League One competition last night. The match showcased Tamanivalu’s exceptional skill, which proved to be crucial in a closely contested game.
The Brave Lupus began the match strongly, dominating both possession and territory to establish a 19–12 lead by halftime. Their control seemed to set them up for a comfortable victory. However, the Shizuoka BlueRevs mounted a significant comeback in the second half, taking advantage of key moments to capture the lead with a converted try and a penalty goal, pushing the score to 22–19 and leaving the Brave Lupus in a precarious position.
As the clock wound down and the pressure intensified, Tamanivalu came to the fore. In the 64th minute, he made a powerful run through the BlueRevs’ defense, scoring a critical converted try that shifted the momentum back in favor of Toshiba. This decisive moment ultimately sealed the game, allowing the Brave Lupus to celebrate their hard-fought victory alongside their enthusiastic fans.
Tamanivalu’s performance not only highlighted his importance in the midfield but also marked Brave Lupus’ second consecutive win of the 2025–2026 season, keeping their campaign off to an impressive start. This victory reinforces the potential for the team to continue building on their success as they advance through the league.