With the Top League Rugby quarter finals being completed over the weekend, we take a look at the Rebels players who are spending the Super Rugby offseason plying their trade in Japan’s premier domestic competition.
Sam Talakai and Campbell Magnay – Suntory Sungoliath
While new Super Rugby recruit Campbell Magnay was an omission from the side, Rebels mainstay prop Sam Talakai started as a substitute before being brought on in the 58th minute to help the Sungoliath’s to a thrilling 28-26 win over Kubota Spears in the Top League Quarter Final at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.
While the Spears did score more tries (four to three), the difference came down to some superb kicking from Wallabies legend Matt Giteau, who scored two penalties and kicked three conversions to give Suntory the edge.
Sione Tuipulotu – Yamaha Jubilo
Melbourne born and bred young gun Sione Tuipulotu played a full 80 minutes on the right wing in Yamaha’s 33-21 win over the Shining Arcs at Yamaha Stadium.
For Jubilo, four tries split between Kyosuke Horie, Gerhardus Labushagne, Kwagga Smith and Eishin Kuwano proved to be the different to see Yamaha progress to the semi-finals.
Geoff Parling – Munakata Sanix
Retired Rebels lock Geoff Parling played in the Sanix’s 34-38 loss against Honda in the Top League’s match for ninth place at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium.
It capped a frustrating year for Sanix, who did not manage to win a game, finishing bottom of the ladder with seven losses and a points differential of negative 206.
Sam Jeffries - NEC Green Rockets
Rebels lock Sam Jeffries had a superb game in the Green Rockets' 43-17 win over the Red Sparks at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.
Jeffries was an imposing figure at line out time, helping the Rockets gain an early ascendency that was unable to be reigned in by the Red Sparks.
