24-05-2025
Rugby: Brave Lupus stifle Steelers to reach League One decider
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Star playmaker Richie Mo'unga orchestrated the attack and was perfect with the boot as he led defending champions Brave Lupus Tokyo into their second straight Japan Rugby League One final with a 31-3 victory over the Kobe Steelers on Saturday.
The champions showed their defensive mettle by keeping the Dave Rennie-coached Steelers scoreless after Bryn Gatland gave the western Japan side the lead with a penalty in the third minute of the semifinal at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.
"We talked about working hard on defense as our priority," Brave Lupus captain Michael Leitch said. "Limiting them to three points is something I'm really happy about."
After Rob Thompson's converted try provided a 7-3 halftime lead, Brave Lupus extended their advantage through winger Toshiki Kuwayama's 43rd-minute effort.
Mo'unga, who finished 5-from-5 from the kicking tee, made it 17-3 for head coach Todd Blackadder's men with a penalty from 45 meters out.
Daigo Hashimoto pushed the lead beyond two converted tries when he dotted down in the 75th minute, with Thompson adding an exclamation as he crossed for his brace moments before the final hooter.
Brave Lupus will face the winner of Sunday's semi between the Saitama Wild Knights and Tokyo Sungoliath in the June 1 final at Tokyo's National Stadium.
