Dan Carter impresses for Kobe Kobelco Steelers on his Top League debut

All Blacks legend Dan Carter made a promising start on his Top League debut as he helped Kobe Kobelco Steelers to a 36-20 win over defending champion Suntory Sungoliath on Friday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

Carter, who made a move to Japan from Racing 92 contributed with a try along with four penalty goals and two conversions which totalled to 21 points as Steelers registered their second consecutive win.

“It was a very special day to finally play in the Top League and Japan,” said the three-time World Player of the Year.

“I’ve been here a couple of months and worked hard and this was the last piece in the puzzle.

“Coming to a new club you have to earn the respect of your teammates. I wanted to prove myself and I’d like to think I did.”

Rakuhei Yamashita got the Steelers off to a promising start with a try in the 3rd minute. Carter failed to add the conversion but kicked a penalty goal in the 8th minute but his effort was negated when Hikaru Tamura kicked a three-pointer in the 16th minute.

The Steelers further extended the lead when Richard Buckman touched down in the 17th minute and Carter kicked the extras on this occasion and followed it with a try of his own in the 22nd minute. Just as the half-time was approaching, Seiya Ozaki went over the line for Sungoliath as the teams headed into the break with a 8-23 scoreline.

Sungoliath was quick to get off the block when Kentaro Kodama danced over the line but Kotaro Matsushima responded strong with a try of his own. As the closing stage was approaching, Carter capped off a comprehensive win for Steelers with two more penalty goals.

Sunwolves flanker Grant Hattingh, who will be eligible to play for Japan in the 2019 World Cup also had an impressive outing as he set up couple of tries for the Steelers.

“Grant was pretty special,” said head coach Dave Dillon.

“He has the skill set and pace of a back and it was good to see what he did. But he can only do it with the other seven forwards and all the forwards have been working hard on their skills in attack and defense.”