Japan Rugby League One: Semi Finals - Spears and Wild Knights renew historic rivalry

For a long stretch of this fixture’s history, the Wild Knights held complete control, winning 14 consecutive matches across the late Top League era and into the early seasons of League One. That dominance included semi-final victories in both competitions’ transitional phases, reinforcing Saitama as Japan’s benchmark side under the long-term influence of Robbie Deans and, more recently, Atsushi Kanazawa.

But Kubota have reshaped the narrative. Their breakthrough came in the maiden League One title three years ago, when inspired by Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx, they edged a dramatic 17–15 final to end Saitama’s dominance. That victory didn’t just deliver silverware — it reset belief within the Spears group.

Since then, Kubota have continued to trouble their rivals, including a 28–24 semi-final win last season, adding to a growing sense that the balance of power has shifted. In the current head-to-head “final trilogy”, Kubota lead 2–1.

This year’s playoff path again highlights their control in knockout rugby. The Spears eased past Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo 26–3 in their semi-final, pulling away after a tight first half and finishing with three second-half tries in a composed, physical display.

Saitama, however, arrive with strong credentials of their own. They finished second in the table after a consistent season featuring just two defeats, but come into the semi-final following a three-week break that could either refresh or disrupt their rhythm. Their last meeting with Kubota earlier this season was decided by an 82nd-minute try, part of a recent pattern of razor-thin margins between the sides.

Elsewhere in the semi-final bracket, Tokyo Sungoliath face Kobelco Kobe Steelers in a heavyweight clash shaped by star power and momentum swings. Sungoliath, led by former All Blacks captain Sam Cane, survived a season that included five straight defeats and a record loss to Kubota, before a dramatic escape against BlackRams Tokyo.

That match-up also brings together Springboks superstar Cheslin Kolbe, the league’s leading points scorer, and All Blacks legend Brodie Retallick, who tops the try charts, alongside Ardie Savea, Anton Lienert-Brown and Dave Rennie on Kobe’s side — a collision of international quality at every turn.

With recent history defined by one-score margins, late drama and shifting momentum, both semi-finals feel poised to add another chapter to League One’s growing reputation for chaos at the sharp end.

Saturday May 30
(1) Kobelco Kobe Steelers v (4) Tokyo Sungoliath; at Tokyo (Chichibu), 12.05pm

Sunday May 31
(2) Saitama Wild Knights v (3) Kubota Spears; at Tokyo (Chichibu), 2.05pm