It had been billed as All Black Ngani Laumape’s big day as he headed into his debut in Japanese rugby.
But the glamour signing from Stade Francais ended up being upstaged by a Welsh forward from Maesycoed who played a key role in Wales' 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam.
Cory Hill scored two tries for Yokohama Canon Eagles as they defeated Kobe Steelers, 15-cap centre Laumape and all, 39-30 in Kanagawa. His brace came in the second half, helping the Eagles hold onto their lead after they went into the interval 15-13 ahead. It was a typically energetic show from the 32-cap Welshman, of whom Warren Gatland was a big fan during the coach's first stint with Wales.