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.

So too should the consistent presence of Folau, with the 35-year-old's workload being carefully managed by Laidlaw, who usually brings his star man off the bench.

Injury-plagued in recent seasons, the controversial star has appeared in all four matches played by Urayasu this term after having managed just 22 across the previous three years.

Folau's D-Rocks sit 6th in Conference A of the competition, with their next match against fifth place Kobe Steel on Sunday 19 January.

Australian Associated Press