Foley hands Wallabies reminder as Kubota win Japanese title

Fly-half Bernard Foley reminded Australia coach Eddie Jones of his class Saturday, as he led Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay to the Japanese rugby title with a 17-15 win over Saitama Wild Knights.

Foley earned a recall to the Australia team during last year's Rugby Championship, three years after he had last made a test appearance for the Wallabies.

He staked his claim to keep the number 10 shirt for the World Cup in France later this year with a clinical performance for Kubota at Tokyo's National Stadium.

Foley kicked 12 points to lead Kubota to their first-ever Japan Rugby League One title, outshining his Wallabies teammate Marika Koroibete.

Flying winger Koroibete was named Australian rugby union's player of the year last month but he was unable to make the difference for Saitama, who were looking for their third straight title.

Saitama made a game of it in the second half, scoring two tries through Shota Horie and Tomoki Osada to take the lead.

But Haruto Kida touched down to put Kubota back in front with just over 10 minutes remaining, and they held on until the final whistle to end Saitama's reign as champions.

Foley put his stamp on the game from the start, kicking three first-half penalties after Saitama fly half Rikiya Matsuda had fluffed one of his own in front of the posts.

He almost added more points after taking the Saitama defence by surprise with a speculative drop goal attempt that fell just short.

Koroibete endured a frustrating game, with teammate Osada making a mess of a pass that would have sent the Australian racing clear in the first half.

Koroibete made a costly mistake of his own after Kida had restored Kubota's lead, throwing the ball into touch as he hurtled towards the try line.

South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx also claimed a winner's medal with Kubota, while his Springboks teammates Damian de Allende and Lood de Jager were on the losing side.