Kolbe’s Sungoliath surge turns playoff outsiders into contenders
PREVIEW: Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe will once again be at the centre of attention when Japan Rugby League One enters its knockout phase this weekend, with Tokyo Sungoliath emerging as one of the competition’s form teams at exactly the right time.
Just a few weeks ago, Sungoliath looked destined for an early exit after an alarming five-match losing streak. However, victories over Verblitz and BlackRams Tokyo have transformed the mood around the club and reignited hopes of a deep playoff run.
Kolbe has been instrumental in that resurgence. The two-time World Cup winner heads into the quarterfinals as the competition’s leading points scorer and the player with the most carry metres this season.
On Saturday, Sungoliath will face BlackRams Tokyo in a quarterfinal clash they will enter with confidence after beating the same opponents 39-22 just two weeks ago. It was their 19th victory in the last 20 meetings between the sides.
Although Sungoliath finished fourth on the standings, 22 points behind third-placed Kubota Spears and with only nine wins from 18 matches, the table does not tell the full story. Their 12 bonus points, including six losing bonus points, highlight how competitive they have been throughout the campaign.
Narrow defeats to title contenders Steelers, Wild Knights and Spears suggest Sungoliath are far more dangerous than their final league position indicates.
With Kolbe providing game-breaking brilliance from the back and former All Blacks captain Sam Cane leading the side, they will believe they can challenge any team remaining in the competition.
Elsewhere, several South Africans will play key roles in the race for the League One crown.
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx remains a central figure for Spears as they attempt to erase the disappointment of losing last year’s final. The Spears face defending champions Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in what promises to be the standout quarterfinal.
Brave Lupus, meanwhile, will again look to returning New Zealand flyhalf Richie Mo’unga to guide them through the playoffs after a surprisingly inconsistent finish to the regular season.
Despite enduring a seven-game winless stretch, the defending champions remain dangerous when their star playmaker is on the field.
Another Springbok who could have a major say in the postseason is Jasper Wiese. The powerful No.8 will be one of Kubota’s biggest weapons as they look to overpower Blue Sharks in their playoff encounter.
The promotion-relegation battles will also feature a strong South African flavour, while former Wallabies coach and ex-Tonga mentor Toutai Kefu will attempt to keep Nippon Steel Kamaishi Seawaves in Division Two.
For South African rugby fans, however, all eyes will be on Kolbe. The Springbok magician has already established himself as one of the standout players in Japan this season and now has the chance to carry Tokyo Sungoliath from outsiders to genuine title contenders.
