Mo’unga Steals the Show in Japan with Last-Minute Magic as All Blacks Coach Race Heats Up

By Lions Roar Aotearoa Sports Desk

TOKYO, JAPAN (Monday, January 26, 2026) — Richie Mo’unga has reminded New Zealand rugby exactly what it’s missing, scoring a spectacular match-winning try in the dying seconds for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in the Japan Rugby League One competition.

The star playmaker’s heroics come at a time of immense uncertainty for the All Blacks, following the shock departure of Scott Robertson from New Zealand Rugby. With a new coach yet to be named, Mo’unga’s performance served as a loud “reminder” of his world-class caliber before his highly anticipated return to New Zealand this winter.

🏉 The Match: A Grand Final Rematch Thriller

In a repeat of last year’s championship decider, Brave Lupus faced off against the Kubota Spears in a high-stakes encounter that went down to the wire.

• Halftime Control: Under Kiwi coach Todd Blackadder, Toshiba led 12-3 at the break, looking comfortably in control.
• The Fightback: One-test All Black Shaun Stevenson sparked a Kubota comeback, scoring a try at fullback and later setting up Yamada Hibiki to give the Spears a late lead.
• The Decisive Moment: With three minutes left, ex-Wallaby Bernard Foley slotted a penalty to put Kubota ahead 20-17.
• Mo’unga’s Magic: In the final minute, Mo’unga took the ball near the posts, ghosted through a gap between multiple defenders, and slammed the ball down to secure a 22-20 lead. He calmly converted his own try to finalize a 24-20 victory.

🕵️ Who is Watching? The All Blacks Coach Hunt

Mo’unga is contracted to NZ Rugby through to the 2027 World Cup, but the identity of the man he will be playing for remains the biggest question in global rugby.

• Out of the Running: Joe Schmidt has reportedly ruled himself out, choosing to remain committed to his project with the Wallabies and Rugby Australia.
• The Frontrunners: With “Razor” Robertson gone, the spotlight has shifted to Jamie Joseph (Highlanders) and Dave Rennie (Kobe), both of whom have extensive international experience and deep ties to the New Zealand system.
• The Stakes: For Mo’unga and other overseas-based stars, the coaching appointment will dictate the tactical direction of the All Blacks as they build toward the World Cup in Australia.

📊 Match Summary: Toshiba Brave Lupus vs. Kubota Spears