27 Feb 2016

Lions too strong for Sunwolves

8:36 pm on 27 February 2016

The Japan Sunwolves didn't get the Super Rugby debut they were looking for, going down 26-13 to the Lions in front of a sold-out Tokyo crowd.

Japan Sunwolves coach Mark Hammett.

Japan Sunwolves coach Mark Hammett. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Missed any of the game? Check out how it all unfolded here

Skipper Shota Horie fired up the 25,000 fans at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium when he scored the outfit's first try in the competition after 61 minutes.

But for all their disciplined effort, the new boys were unable to hold out the seasoned South Africans.

Hooker Robbie Coetzee, winger Courtnall Skosan, flanker Jaco Kriel and centre Lionel Mapoe crossed as the Johannesburg side secured a bonus point.