A hat trick of tries from No. 8 Luantangi Vatuvei helped Toshiba Brave Lupus blow past Yamaha Jubilo 39-10 in the quarterfinals of the Microsoft Cup at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya on Sunday.
The 120-kg Vatuvei, who was only on the field after Nick Holten received a serious blow to the head -- his second in as many games -- was the main beneficiary of an awesome performance by the Toshiba pack, whose rolling maul proved nigh on unstoppable.
Toshiba will take on Sanyo in the semifinal at Chichibunomiya on Feb. 15 after the Wild Knights beat the Kubota Spears 39-32 at Hanazono Stadium in Osaka.
The second semifinal sees the Kobe Kobelco Steelers up against the NEC Green Rockets at Hanazono. Top League champion Kobe welcomed back Japan flyhalf Andy Miller on Sunday and the New Zealander helped the Steelers recover from a 17-14 halftime deficit to defeat World Fighting Bull 35-27.
NEC, meanwhile, accounted for Suntory Sungoliath 32-5, a performance that no doubt led to strong words from Australia coach Eddie Jones, who was watching the game in his capacity as adviser to the Suntory team.