Cheslin Kolbe steers Sungoliath to the top
ROUND TWO WRAP: Sungoliath were in fine form as they recorded a 43-25 bonus point win over Verblitz.
Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe was at it again in front of the Sungoliath faithful, following up his opening day try last week with 2 tries, 2 conversions and a penalty for a 17-point haul as his side outlasted Verblitz, who were in front entering the final 10 minutes but couldn’t hold on.
The Springbok winger had backrower Tevita Tatafu and second row Harry Hockings to thank for his tries, which were created in almost identical fashion as each forward off-loaded in contact, tying up multiple defenders, which left Kolbe free on the edge to scoot to the goal-line.
All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith scored his first try of the season for Verblitz.
The loss extended Verblitz’s miserable record in this rivalry to one win from the last 17 matches.
Cheslin Kolbe scoring his double for Suntory Sungoliath against Toyota Verblitz. #rugbyjp #SaffasAbroad #japan pic.twitter.com/mpAWY3D0SP
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) December 20, 2025
The two-time defending title holders, Brave Lupus, survived a gruelling examination to beat Shizuoka BlueRevs 26-22 in a contest
which remained in the balance to the finish, with the lead changing hands twice in the second half.
The big players usually step up when it counts and it was no different with Brave Lupus flyhalf Richie M’ounga scoring his side’s opening points for the game, and the season, when he crossed in the sixth minute for Toshiba’s first try.
The visitors led 19-5 as the clock ticked into first-half injury time, but a try by the BlueRevs’ former National Rugby League (NRL) winger Valynce Te Whare opened the game up again at halftime, with dual international Charles Piutau giving Shizuoka the lead when he marked his first appearance of the season with a second-half try.
Brave Lupus responded in kind through their own dual international – the All Black and Flying Fijians centre Seta
Tamanivalu – but while 15 minutes remained when the 33-year-old scored, the scoreboard went unattended after the try as the visitors held on for an invaluable win.
Saitama Wild Knights, who posted 46 unanswered points against Brave Lupus last week, ran up 37 during a comfortable win against Urayasu D-Rocks, with hooker Atsushi Sakate the star of the show at Kumagaya after he scored a hattrick of tries.
The visitors fought bravely and hauled themselves to within eight with 15 minutes remaining, but the Wild Knights had more in reserve, with their captain’s third try completing the 37-19 win.
Saitaima are second on the rankings, one point behind Tokyo Sungoliath.
Kubota Spears share second on the standings after they also produced a strong finish, with three tries in the final
17 minutes, to finally shake off a game BlackRams Tokyo, 50-28.
Led by their feisty skipper TJ Perenara, whose second-half try reignited the contest, BlackRams closed to within a point before finally conceding.
Kobelco Kobe Steelers and Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars recorded their first wins today, leaving their victims
Mie Honda Heat and Yokohama Canon Eagles are still winless.
The Dynaboars established a 12-0 halftime advantage in the Kanagawa derby but had to survive a nervy final 15 minutes after South African prop Pieter Scholtz was red-carded when just seven points separated the sides.
Former Saracens (UK) flyhalf Manu Vunipola booted Heat to a 12-7 halftime lead, but the home side was held to just one try, while Kobe managed four, as the visitors scored two tries in three minutes straight after the break to take charge.
Kobe’s final try was scored by ex-All Black second rower Brodie Retallick, who scored 10 for the club last term.
