Toshiba’s Mo’unga previews Kubota quarter-final and hails Boks ace Marx

Toshiba Brave Lupus fly-half Richie Mo’unga is confident that the back-to-back champions can keep their ‘three-peat’ dream alive when they face Kubota Spears in Sunday’s quarter-final.

Two-time MVP Mo’unga, 31, who will return to New Zealand when his three-year deal finishes in June, spoke to the media at the club’s headquarters in Fuchu as Todd Blackadder’s side prepare to face Frans Ludeke’s Kubota in a rematch of last year’s final.

Champions Toshiba had a wildly inconsistent season as they suffered 10 defeats in 18 games and only narrowly clinched the sixth and final play-off spot.

Opponents Kubota finished third as they lost ground to Kobe Steelers and Saitama Wild Knights, who sealed the top two spots and semi-final berths, in the final weeks of the season.

Mo’unga, who will play NPC for Canterbury this summer and could be called up for the All Blacks’ tour to South Africa as injury cover, highlighted regular foe Malcolm Marx as one Kubota’s greatest threats.

“Malcolm Marx is a world-class hooker, he’s so influential here in Japan and for his county,” the 2023 World Cup runner-up told RugbyJP.com.

“He's an awesome leader for his team and it’s always a privilege to play against world-class players like him.”

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The seven-time Super Rugby winner outlined his messages to his teammates this week.

“My messages this week have been about understanding what the occasion is and not hiding away from it being a play-off and a very important match. The important thing is we understand what it is and we’ll walk towards the challenge.

“It’s stuff we all know. It's a game of rugby. The small details are so important for us.”

The Crusaders-bound pivot, who has signed an 18-month contract with NZR in order to be eligible for the World Cup next year, explained where he thinks the game is likely to be won and lost.

“We want to play in the right areas of the field,” said the Christchurch native who played with a broken hand in last year’s final and won man of the match.

“There’s many important factors, especially when you play against Kubota who are really strong all over the park. There’s not really any weaknesses in their game. When we have opportunities we must take them.

“I think being in every moment, being present and completing your roles in the game is key. As big as an occasion as it is it’ll come down to everyone executing their roles and tackling the job in front of them.”

© RugbyJP

Mo’unga sees positives in their testing campaign and has learnt from similar experiences in Super Rugby.

“I had seasons at the Crusaders where we lost more games than we should have but the games we lost were so crucial for our learnings and really helped us figure out a lot about ourselves on our way to finals.

“Whatever has happened previously doesn't matter. This is a new game. We all have one shot and that’s the beauty of finals, no matter what sport. We’re in with a chance. “We’re all ready and really excited.”

Mo’unga signed off with a glimpse into his winner’s mindset.

“The only thought on my mind is what I need to do in the game.”