Dan Carter leads Steelers to glory after drubbing of Matt Giteau's Suntory

Dan Carter has led the Kobe Kobelco Steelers to victory in the Top League final in Japan.

Suntory Sungoliath were thrashed 55-5 by Steelers at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

Carter lined up opposite old foe Matt Giteau at 10, and orchestrated what was to be a one sided affair. The win is the Steelers first League win since the inaugural Top League season in 2003-04.

Carter kicked six conversions and a penalty.

? CHAMPIONS ??

Kobelco Steelers have won the All-Japan Championship for the first time in 18 years after defeating Suntory 55-5 in the final ?

Silverware for Dan Carter in his first season with the club. ? pic.twitter.com/OR47xeE7pZ

— Rugby Kazoku (@rugbykazoku) December 15, 2018

Following the game, Steelers headcoach Dave Dillon said: “You get what you prepare for and our preparation was awesome, especially leading into this game.”

In the 2017-2018 season, they finished fifth overall on the final Japan Rugby Top League table. Kobe have consistently finished between third and sixth every season.

This season saw the team undergo a major overhaul. Aside from Carter, new signing included Tom Franklin, Hayden Parker and centre Richard Buckman, adding to the likes of former All Black halfback Andy Ellis and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who were already at the club.

Kobe

Tries: Fraser 2, Yamanaka 2, Arita, Ashley-Cooper, Franklin, Hattingh
Cons: Carter 5
Pens: Carter

Suntory

Tries: Ozaki