Toshiba Brave Lupus Overcome Suntory Sungoliath in Thrilling Japan Rugby League One Semi-Final
In a hard-fought battle, Toshiba Brave Lupus emerged victorious against Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in the second semi-final of the prestigious Japan Rugby League One competition. The nail-biting encounter at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground saw the Brave Lupus roar back from a halftime deficit to secure a 28-20 triumph and book their spot in the grand final.
All Black flyhalf Richie Mo’unga was the orchestrator of the Brave Lupus’ resurgence, showcasing his class and composure as the match progressed. Despite an early aerial bombardment from the Sungoliath, Mo’unga grew in influence, engineering three tries after the break to turn the tide in his side’s favor.
“The first of those scores came through a slick backline move, with Mo’unga’s well-timed pass opening up the Sungoliath defense for winger Jone Naikabula to send backrower Takeshi Sasaki over the line. Naikabula would later add a try of his own, breaking free down the touchline to extend the Brave Lupus’ lead.”
While a late try from former Queensland Reds lock Harry Hockings gave the Sungoliath a glimmer of hope, it ultimately proved too little, too late. Mo’unga’s accurate kicking sealed the victory for the Brave Lupus, who will now face Robbie Deans’ Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in a mouthwatering Japan Rugby League One final.
The Brave Lupus’ triumph was built on a dominant second-half display, with the team coached by former Crusaders and Bath boss Todd Blackadder outlasting their opponents in the crucial moments. Hockings’ impressive performance, however, has surely caught the eye of Brave Blossoms coach Eddie Jones, who may well be considering the talented lock as a long-term project for the national team.
With the grand final showdown against the Wild Knights on the horizon, the Brave Lupus will be eager to claim their first Japan Rugby League One title in a decade and cap off a thrilling season in style.
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