Japan Rugby League One - Quarter Finals: Star Springbok Cheslin Kolbe leads Sungoliath against Black Rams

Just weeks ago, Sungoliath looked in danger of limping out of playoff contention after suffering five consecutive defeats. Now, following emphatic wins over Toyota Verblitz and BlackRams Tokyo, Kosei Ono’s side suddenly appear capable of troubling anyone in the title race.

The return to form has coincided with the brilliance of Springbok superstar Kolbe, who has arguably been the standout player in Japan this season. The electric back finished the regular campaign as League One’s leading points scorer while also topping the competition for carry metres with a remarkable 1,367.

Despite finishing fourth and ending the regular season 22 points behind Kubota Spears, Sungoliath have been far more competitive than the table suggests. They picked up 12 bonus points, including six losing bonuses, with narrow defeats against Saitama Wild Knights, Kubota Spears and Kobe Steelers highlighting just how close they have been to the league’s elite sides.

Saturday’s quarter-final against BlackRams Tokyo offers another opportunity to prove they belong among the title contenders. Sungoliath defeated the BlackRams 39-22 only two weeks ago and have now won 19 of the last 20 meetings between the clubs.

However, Tabai Matson’s BlackRams remain dangerous opponents, led by former All Blacks scrum-half TJ Perenara. The club secured a historic first-ever playoff appearance this season after winning nine matches, although three consecutive defeats heading into the finals have raised concerns that their campaign may be running out of steam.

Elsewhere, defending champions Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo face a huge test against Kubota Spears. Todd Blackadder’s side endured a worrying seven-match winless run during the latter part of the season, although the return of Richie Mo’unga gives the defending champions renewed belief.

Kubota, meanwhile, are desperate for revenge after last season’s 18-13 final defeat to Brave Lupus. Former Wallabies fly-half Bernard Foley, Springbok Jasper Wiese and Wallaby centre Samu Kerevi headline a star-studded Spears squad determined to finally reclaim the title.

Away from the quarter-finals, promotion and relegation battles across the divisions add further drama to a huge weekend in Japanese rugby.

Tokyo Sungoliath v BlackRams Tokyo — Saturday, May 23

Kubota Spears v Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo — Sunday, May 24

(D2) Nippon Steel Kamaishi Seawaves v (D3) SAYAMA SECOM RUGGUTS — Friday, May 22

(D2) Hino Red Dolphins v (D3) SkyActivs Hiroshima — Saturday, May 23

(D2) Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi v (D1) Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars — Saturday, May 23

(D2) Shimizu Corporation Koto Blue Sharks v (D1) Urayasu D-Rocks — Saturday, May 23