All Blacks star Ardie Savea has marked his Japanese debut in style, scoring two tries, as his Kobelco Steelers ran away with a huge 80-15 victory over Mie Honda Heat in Rugby League One.
Savea, 29, will spend this season in Japan under a sabbatical clause in his NZ Rugby contract and wasted no time getting to work.
The mismatch saw now-former All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick also manage a try double, while Savea crossed over twice within three minutes in the second half, as their side ran in 12 tries.
As well as his own tries, Savea also provided an assist for one of Retallick's.
Another former All Black, Ngani Laumape, also grabbed a try, while former Chiefs and Highlanders first-five Bryn Gatland kicked eight conversions, before he was substituted.
The huge scoreline understandably sent the Steelers to the top of the Top League's Conference A, ahead of Toshiba Brave Lupus, who opened their campaign with a 43-30 win over Shizuoka Blue Revs.
Toshiba is the new home of Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell, while former All Black Charles Piutau made his debut for Shizuoka.
Playing for Toyota Verblitz, Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith also helped their side to a narrow 15-8 victory over Black Rams.
