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The knockout stage of the Japan Rugby League is set as six teams secure their spots with one round remaining.
This weekend's final rankings will determine the playoff matchups, revealing which teams emerge as title contenders. The Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Saitama Wild Knights, Kubota Spears Funabashi, Tokyo Sungoliath, Black Rams Tokyo, and defending champions Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo are in. With only two points separating the top three—Kobe, Wild Knights, and Spears—the battle for the top spot intensifies.
Cheslin Kolbe and Sam Cane shine for Tokyo Sungoliath, leading a crucial 54-38 victory over Toyota Verblitz, which ends Verblitz's season. Cane contributes with a try, while Kolbe's involvement proves pivotal. Despite four tries, Verblitz's efforts fall short, marking Sir Steve Hansen's last home game with the team.
In another clash, Toshiba Brave Lupus defeats Shizuoka BlueRevs 35-29, eliminating Shizuoka from playoff contention. Kwagga Smith leads Shizuoka, but a second-half surge from Toshiba seals their fate. Meanwhile, Franco Mostert misses Honda Heat's match against the Steelers, which they lose 24-19.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion as teams vie for playoff positioning in Japan.
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