TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo seized first place in the Japan Rugby League One standings with a 42-31 victory over the Saitama Wild Knights in their top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.

The heavyweight sides delivered another entertaining contest after drawing 28-28 in Saitama on Feb. 9, with head coach Todd Blackadder's men maintaining the upper hand this time around thanks to a rugged defensive performance at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

Shannon Frizell dotted down the opener in the fourth minute for Brave Lupus, while hooker Mamoru Harada showed his speed in the open field on the first of his two tries for the home team, who took a 28-10 lead into the break.

Robbie Deans' side made a strong start to the second half, with front-rower Craig Millar diving over for a converted try that cut the deficit to 28-17 in the 50th minute.

Brave Lupus led 35-17 after Harada's second converted effort, giving them breathing room to withstand a man disadvantage following Frizell's 63rd-minute yellow card.

"We know that (the Wild Knights) are a really great side, so we had to prepare accordingly," Blackadder said. "I thought defensively we were unbelievable today, and when we got the opportunities to execute, we executed really well."