Former Queensland Reds lock Harry Hockings made a late attempt to revive Tokyo Sungoliath, but it wasn’t enough as they succumbed 28-20 to Richie Mo’unga’s Toshiba Brave Lupus in the second semi-final of Japan Rugby League One in Tokyo.
Toshiba Brave Lupus, coached by former Crusaders and Bath boss Todd Blackadder, overturned a halftime deficit of 10-7 to secure the victory on Sunday, marking their first final appearance in ten years.
Blackadder’s team will now face his former mentor Robbie Deans’ Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in the final, following the Wild Knights’ 20-17 win over Yokohama Canon Eagles in the opening semi-final on Saturday.
Hockings had a try disallowed earlier in the second half, halted in the corner by a tackle involving Mo’unga, as Sungoliath attempted a comeback after Brave Lupus scored three tries in the second half to take control.
Mo’unga, who faced intense pressure from Suntory in the first half while playing at fullback, became increasingly influential after halftime, particularly as Blackadder’s forwards asserted dominance in the contact area.
The All Black flyhalf orchestrated the first try of the second half with a well-placed short pass behind the attacking line, creating an opening in the Sungoliath defense for winger Jone Naikabula to exploit, ultimately setting up Takeshi Sasaki for a crucial try.
Despite Sungoliath’s efforts, Brave Lupus managed to maintain their lead, benefiting from Sungoliath’s disallowed try and a potential try-scoring opportunity that was lost due to interference.
Brave Lupus extended their lead further with a fourth try by Naikabula, cementing their victory with Mo’unga’s fourth conversion of the game.
Although Sungoliath suffered defeat, Hockings, a product of Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar, continued to enhance his reputation as one of Japan’s top forwards since his arrival in 2021, catching the attention of Brave Blossoms coach Eddie Jones as a potential long-term prospect despite being two years away from qualifying for Japan.
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