Richie Mo’unga reacts to Toshiba's six game losing streak

Toshiba Brave Lupus fly-half Richie Mo’unga believes that the misfiring back-to-back champions can turn their fortunes around and hold on to a top six play-off spot as they cling on to hopes of a League One ‘three-peat’.

Two-time MVP Mo’unga, 31, saw his side slip to a sixth consecutive defeat when Honda Heat’s Japan-qualified utility-back Dawid Kellerman kicked an 82nd minute penalty for a dramatic 24-22 win at Tokyo’s Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on Sunday.

“It's funny to say this because we’re losing but I do feel like we're getting better,” Mo’unga told RugbyJP.com.

“We’ve found every way to lose a game in the last couple of weeks.”

Mo'unga was in demand in the mixed zone

The Christchurch native is in the final season of his three-year contract in Fuchu and will return to New Zealand to rejoin NPC outfit Canterbury and Super Rugby's Crusaders this summer in order to be eligible for the World Cup next year.

Seven-time Super Rugby winner Mo’unga, who last represented his country at the 2023 World Cup, is surprised that Todd Blackadder’s side are still in the top six having not won a game since January 24.

“We're just holding on (to sixth) for dear life really. It’s a miracle that we’re there but it just shows how tight the competition is.

“I’ve been saying for the last few weeks that if you make the top six then it’s anyone’s game.

“We’ve got to put this behind us, look forward to the next game and do everything we can to stay in the top six.

“It’s going to be tough next against Kubota. Kubota sets the benchmark for the competition; they’re one of the heavy hitters. They’re a great team and we know what we’re going to come up against.

“We’re in a tough position. Our backs are up against the wall.”

Mo’unga believes that growth comes through adversity and having spoken at length to his teammates, his priority is to focus on his own game to help the club end their losing streak.

“I’ve got to the point where I’ve said all I can say to the team because we’ve lost and what they should do. For me, I want to play the best I can and lead by example.”

RugbyJP.com understands that Japan wing Jone Naikabula, new Brave Blossoms call-up Rob Thompson and All Black Shannon Frizell are all close to being available again.

Naikabula hasn’t featured this season after suffering a major leg injury last year while Frizell broke his finger against Saitama Wild Knights in the opening round in December.

Palmerston North product Thompson sustained a broken finger against Black Rams Tokyo on February 28.

Mo’unga is looking forward to seeing the trio making a timely return.

“It makes me happy thinking about it,” said Mo’unga.

“We’ve really missed that, a lot of strike power, bodies and x-factor. Having those guys come back will be awesome but it still doesn’t change the situation we’re in and what we need to do.

“It’s just nice to have those guys back. They have tons of experience and they’re top class footy players.”

Toshiba were top at this stage last season

As his time in Japan is almost over, Mo’unga reflected on the growth of the competition during his three-year stay in Fuchu.

“In my first year in Japan maybe that result wouldn’t have happened. The change that I’ve noticed the most while I’ve been here is how much the bottom five teams have improved. Anyone can beat anyone now. You saw that when Yokohama beat the leaders Kobe on Saturday and Mitsubishi beat Suntory. League One is an awesome competition.”

Toshiba travel to Frans Ludeke’s Kubota on Saturday in round 13.