Israel Folau has scored the 16th try of his career in Japan Rugby League One but the former Wallabies star couldn't prevent Urayasu D-Rocks falling to a fourth straight defeat, despite a much-improved showing against Brave Lupus Tokyo.
After conceding 19 tries in their opening three matches, D-Rocks restricted the champions to just three during their 22-14 defeat on Sunday, and even harboured thoughts of an unlikely victory when Folau broke through to score from 60 metres out, dragging his side to within five points with five minutes left.
It wasn't to be, but the resilience shown by the competition's bottom-ranked side should give D-Rocks coach Greig Laidlaw plenty to work with throughout the rest of the competition.
