Brisbane Global Rugby Tens: Tahs loses to Wild Knights, Rebels beat Chiefs as the mercury soars

JAPANESE side Panasonic Wild Knights posted an upset win over the Tahs while the Rebels beat Chiefs on a mixed day for Aussie sides at the Brisbane Tens.

Japanese underdogs Panasonic Wild Knights sprung a surprise with a well earned win over the NSW Waratahs in Brisbane.

FORMER Waratahs star Berrick Barnes conspired against his old side to steer the Japanese — based Panasonic Wild Knights to a stunning 15-5 upset victory over NSW at the Brisbane Tens tournament on Saturday.

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As the mercury nudged 40 degrees on the ground at the sweltering Suncorp Stadium, the ex-Wallabies playmaker turned up the heat on NSW by playing a starting role for the rank underdogs coached by Robbie Deans.

Barnes played 43 games for the Waratahs between 2010 and 2013 after starting his rugby career with the Queensland Reds in 2006.

The underdog Panasonic Wild Knights proved too canny for the Waratahs.

A clever draw and pass set up a try for Kentaro Kodama to establish a 12-5 lead in the second half after Ben Gunter crossed early for the Wild Knights to put the Waratahs under the pump.

Barnes then opted to take a penalty goal attempt and slotted the drop goal to put the Wild Knights out of reach and NSW’s tournament hopes on a knife’s edge.

“It’s huge for us,’’ Barnes said.

“We took a pretty a really young squad over here. A lot of guys were playing their first games so (we are) really proud. To get a win tops it off.

“We’ve received great support (in Brisbane) so hopefully we’ll be their second team this weekend. Maybe we cause one more but were giving it our best shot.’’

James Lentjes crossed over to score during the Highlanders’ win over the Brumbies.

Wallabies and Waratahs superstar Israel Folau was a constant danger for NSW with clever offloads and long-range runs and attracted a host of defenders every time he touched the ball.

Folau also produced a superb try-saving tackle in the first half

“No, not at all,’’ Folau said when asked if the Waratahs were shocked by how plucky the Japanese side proved to be.

“We expected they would come out and play some open rugby. It’s a bit of a slow start for us. We’ll regroup.

“Every team wants to win, the boys weren’t happy with that performance and we’ll look to turn things around.’’

It was a mixed opening for the Australian sides with the Tom English-led Melbourne upsetting the Chiefs with a 19-5 win in the tournament opener when a fraction of the 28,000 fans that bought tickets for the inaugural tournament were inside the ground due to the stifling heat.

Queensland had a 17-all draw with the Auckland Blues before the Western Force enjoyed a 14-10 victory over the Bulls. The Brumbies later fell 14-7 to the Highlanders.

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