Former Stormers midfielder Rikus Pretorius will spearhead a strong South African contingent when the Kubota Spears tackle the Kobe Steelers in Saturday’s Japan Rugby League One final.
Pretorius starts at outside centre for the Spears, who have been dealt a major blow with the loss of Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx.
The World Rugby Player of the Year was forced off at half-time during Kubota’s dramatic 26-24 semi-final victory against the Saitama Wild Knights after suffering a biceps injury.
SAFFAS ABROAD: Marx leads Spears into League One final
The full extent of the injury remains unclear, with both Kubota and the Springboks awaiting the outcome of further medical assessments ahead of the international season.
Marx’s absence is a significant setback for the Spears, but they still boast a strong South African influence.
Pretorius is joined in the starting XV by veteran lock David Bulbring and fellow South African Merwe Olivier, who packs down in the second row.
Former Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley will direct traffic in what is set to be the final match of his professional career before retirement, while former Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson provides attacking firepower from the back.
Frans Ludeke’s Kubota Spears team to play Kobe Steelers in Sunday’s final
Malcolm Marx is OUT. He’s unable to make the 23 after coming off injured last week. Tyler Paul has also been ruled out. Era & Olivier come into the 15 w/ Ieremia moving to 6#rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/ma89rVsubJ
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RugbyJP.com (@rugbyjpcom) June 5, 2026
Standing in Kubota’s way is All Blacks coach Dave Rennie’s star-studded Kobe outfit packed with international quality.
The Steelers are led by an All Blacks trio featuring lock Brodie Retallick, loose forward Ardie Savea and centre Anton Lienert-Brown.
Kubota will be chasing a second League One title, while Kobe are looking to cap a strong season by lifting the trophy in one of Japanese rugby’s most eagerly anticipated finals.
Rennie picks the same 15 who stormed past Suntory in the semis as All Blacks Retallick, Savea & ALB all start#rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/aQKqi3YjNm
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Photo: Toru Hanai/Getty Images
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