Mark Tele’a: “We wanted to show, with conviction, that this is the kind of rugby we can play” 

Toyota Verblitz faced Tokyo Sungoliath in Round 17 of League One on the 2nd of May at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium. Verblitz struck first, but after conceding three consecutive tries late in the first half, they were unable to recover and fell 38–54. On the same day, Brave Lupus Tokyo defeated Shizuoka BlueRevs, officially ending Verblitz’s hopes of finishing in the top six.

It was the opening day of Japan’s Golden Week holiday stretch, and a season-high crowd of 8,382 packed the stadium. Against the vivid green grass, the colors of Verblitz green and Sungoliath yellow stood out brightly.

Verblitz opened the scoring in the 5th minute when lock Hingano Lolohea crashed over from a driving maul. But Sungoliath immediately responded, and the match quickly developed into an attacking contest played at high tempo.

Verblitz continued to challenge the line aggressively, but Sungoliath proved sharper in the transition from defense to attack. Although Verblitz led 12–10 midway through the first half, Sungoliath scored three straight tries from the 31st minute onward to take a 26–12 lead into halftime.

The decisive stretch came across the end of the first half and opening stages of the second.

Playing with the wind at their backs after halftime, Verblitz chose to retain possession and build phases, but struggled to make gain-line progress. Under pressure at the breakdown, they conceded a penalty, and Sungoliath capitalized immediately with a maul try to extend the lead to 33–12.

Rikiya Matsuda, who shifted into the playmaker role after Taichi Takahashi left the field injured in the 35th minute, reflected on the game management afterward.

“With the wind behind us in the second half, maybe we could have used the kicking game more. But I also felt that if we held the ball, space would eventually open up. That’s something I personally need to reflect on. We lost the battle of patience, and they put us under pressure at the breakdown.”

Tokyo Sungoliath, who had entered the match on a five-game losing streak, made six changes to their starting forward pack from the previous round. No.8 Tevita Tatafu returned for the first time in four matches and caused major problems with his powerful carries. In the backs, veteran centre Ryoto Nakamura made his first start in five games, and his decision-making prevented Verblitz from building momentum.

Sungoliath head coach Kosei Ono said afterward:

“We’re an attacking team. When our attack is functioning well, naturally we can win the ball back through our defense too.”

Verblitz also faced the challenge of a short turnaround week, but in a match both teams had targeted heavily, Sungoliath proved the stronger side when it mattered.

Still, Verblitz refused to give in.

Trailing 54–19 in the 73rd minute, they continued to attack relentlessly.

In the 74th minute, Mark Tele’a fielded a kick and produced a brilliant individual try from nearly 40 meters out. Then in the 77th minute, Verblitz kept the ball alive for almost two full minutes before hooker Ryusei Kato finished in the left corner.

Moments later, they attacked again from deep inside their own half after recovering a loose ball, and Tele’a crossed for another try. The crowd responded with loud applause. Matsuda then calmly slotted the conversion after the final horn, extending the match one final moment.

It was a powerful finish built on pride and persistence.

“A game lasts until the full 80 minutes are over. We wanted to show, with conviction, that this is the kind of rugby we can play. We wanted to express the Toyota rugby we’ve worked on all season,” said Mark Tele’a.

“The result is disappointing, but the team’s pride and mental toughness showed in those final 15 minutes,” added head coach Steve Hansen.

Verblitz ultimately fell short to go through the playoffs this season. But after opening the campaign with seven straight losses, they fought their way back strongly, going 6–3 from Round 9 onward. The second half of the season saw the team rediscover the physicality, grit, and traditional identity that define “Toyota rugby.” 

One match remains: an away clash against Mie Honda Heat. For Mie, who will relocate their home base to Tochigi next season, it will be their final home game in Suzuka — ensuring extra motivation on their side.

Although the goal of reaching the top six has disappeared, the final match remains an important opportunity to build toward next season.

Now, Verblitz will aim to show from kickoff the same determination and spirit they displayed in those final three tries.