Last weekend in the Japan Top League final George Smith (Suntory) owned David Pocock (Panasonic). Both played well but George was a standout.
Noticed:
Pocock gave away the first penalty of the game.
In 28th minute, with Panasonic a metre from the Suntory try line Pocock (playing halfback at the time) passed from the back of a ruck. The ball went forward into a Suntory player. Try opportunity blown. Replays showed George's hand smacking Pocock's as he passed it. Should have been a penalty to Panasonic but George got away with it.
Midway through the second half, George cleaned up Pocock as he was standing in a ruck. Absolutely smashed him from behind. Pocock was down for a while. Good hit from George.
Pocock was off the field soon after for about 5 or 6 minutes to attend to a head cut.
Just after the final buzzer George got the final steal to end the game.
George played at 7 but was often 8 on attacking scrums.
Suntory 15 (5 goals) Panasonic 10) (1 try, 1conversion, 1 penalty)
The Panasonic try was scored by Daniel Heenan (at about the 50 minute mark) who, together with the halfback, earned a charge-down from a maul about 20 out, and managed to regain the ball and race over untouched, putting them in front 10 v 9. He came off at the 65 minute mark.
George and Hendrik Tui worked well together. In the 75th minute Tui made a great break but was tackled and Pocock earned a turnover penalty.
Some people we all know:
Suntory : (6). Hendrik Tui, (7) George Smith (13 Derek Carpenter (Sunwolves), (15) Kotaro Matsushima (Rebels, Sunwolves)
Panasonic : (1) Keita Inagaki (Rebels, Sunwolves), (2) Shota Horie (Rebels), (5) Daniel Heenan (Qld), (9) Fumiaki Tanaka (Highlanders), (13) Richard Buckman (Hurricanes, Highlanders), Reserves - Taqele Naiyaravoro (got last 4 minutes), Coach - Robbie Deans, Berrick Barnes has been out injured.