By Sean Miyaguchi,
Brave Lupus Tokyo fought back from an early deficit to book their place in the Japan Rugby League One championship decider with a 28-20 semifinal win over Tokyo Sungoliath on Sunday.
The Todd Blackadder-coached Brave Lupus, the No. 2 team in the regular season, turned the tide in the second half at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground with tries from Takeshi Sasaki, Shannon Frizell and Jone Naikabula.
They will play for their first championship of the League One era in a week's time against title favorites Saitama Wild Knights, who won a 20-17 semifinal thriller against Yokohama Eagles on Saturday.
Having been on top for most of the first half, head coach Kiyonori Tanaka's third-ranked Sungoliath were fortunate to take a 10-7 lead into the break following a late surge by their derby rivals.
The men in gold had been justly rewarded for their early dominance with a 10-0 lead from Mikiya Takamoto's drop goal and Kosuke Horikoshi's converted try.
But Brave Lupus capitalized on one of their first sustained stretches of attack as the end of the half approached, with lock Jacob Pierce diving over from a ruck in the 37th minute.
They had a chance to take the lead after the halftime siren, turning down a penalty kick in favor of a try attempt that ended with a knock-on.
"As soon as I felt that momentum shift, knowing our team, I felt we were well and truly in it," said Blackadder, whose side picked up where they left off once the second half got under way. "We knew what we had to do in the second half and there was huge belief there. Just play a territory game and hold the ball."
Richie Mo'unga's clever inside pass and a storming run from Naikabula set the stage for Sasaki's converted try and a 14-10 lead four minutes into the half.
Sungoliath appeared to hit back quickly, but saw Naoto Saito's try erased for obstruction following a review by the television match official.
The TMO was more forgiving at the other end in the 55th minute, judging Frizell to have properly grounded to give Brave Lupus a 21-13 lead once Mo'unga added the extras.
The video review provided a nervous moment for Brave Lupus fans and some of Frizell's teammates, but the All Black flanker never doubted he got the ball down with one hand.
"(Brave Lupus center) Michael Collins told me I should've dived like the forwards, but I told them I was confident I scored that," Frizzel said.
Naikabula's converted try extended the margin to 28-13 in the 65th minute, but Sungoliath kept pressing forward and gained a sliver of hope when Harry Hockings dotted down with six minutes left.
Praising his team for their effort, Tanaka stressed their season is not over until after next weekend's third-place playoff against the Eagles.
"In a game like today, the smallest mistakes can be punished by the opposing team," Tanaka said. "These are things we can improve."
Related coverage:
Rugby: Wild Knights down gutsy Eagles to reach League One final
Rugby: Wild Knights go into League One playoffs eyeing perfect season
Rugby: All Black Cane set for long-term deal with Sungoliath
