CURRENT POS: 10 POINTS: 21
vs
CURRENT POS: 2 POINTS: 28
Rabbitohs v Bulldogs | ANZ Stadium | Sun, 2 Aug 2009 15:00
Only time will tell if the South Sydney charge towards the top eight will continue but one thing is for sure… if they can manufacture a win against the Bulldogs this Sunday afternoon then they will have a lot more people willing to get on the bandwagon.
While a big win over the Roosters isn’t much to get excited about this season, it did allow the Bunnies to get within just one competition point of the top eight, putting the side now in 10th place and in a position to strike.
The unexpected loss by the Bulldogs at the hands of the Eels also should add confidence to the Rabbitohs, who now have a blueprint to replicate and take down the second-placed blue-and-whites.
However the Bulldogs, who may have let the chance of a minor premiership slip with the loss last week, still have the aim of finishing in the top two to secure not only a home final but a guaranteed second bite of the cherry after Week One of the finals.
Souths have predictably kept the same side from last Monday night’s drubbing of the Roosters, with the only change being the addition of Origin player Michael Crocker on the bench. Crocker is hoping to finally return from injury for this crucial encounter.
The Bulldogs only have a few minor changes themselves with David Stagg back at lock and Jarrad Hickey coming onto the bench.
Daniel Holdsworth and Brad Morrin miss out on the team for this clash.
The History
Played 137; Rabbitohs 62, Bulldogs 71, drawn 4. The Bulldogs took care of the Bunnies 14-12 in the wet earlier this season to make it four wins from the past five clashes between the teams. They have a commanding 6-1 advantage over South Sydney at ANZ Stadium – although the lone South Sydney win at the venue did come just last season.
Conclusion
Sure the Rabbitohs are gathering some momentum and the Bulldogs had a hiccup last week – but you still can’t help but heavily favour the ’Dogs here.
They haven’t lost back-to-back matches all season and they have a much stronger constitution than South Sydney, making them a sturdier choice.
The Rabbitohs have confidence right now, and some flair, but their defence is still far from proven. One gets the feeling the kennel will be serving Rabbit stew come Sunday night.
Match officials: Referees – Gavin Badger & Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials – Steve Chiddy & Gavin Morris; Video Ref – Sean Hampstead.
Televised: Channel Nine – Delayed 4pm; Fox Sports – Delayed 6pm.
Only time will tell if the South Sydney charge towards the top eight will continue but one thing is for sure… if they can manufacture a win against the Bulldogs this Sunday afternoon then they will have a lot more people willing to get on the bandwagon.
While a big win over the Roosters isn’t much to get excited about this season, it did allow the Bunnies to get within just one competition point of the top eight, putting the side now in 10th place and in a position to strike.
The unexpected loss by the Bulldogs at the hands of the Eels also should add confidence to the Rabbitohs, who now have a blueprint to replicate and take down the second-placed blue-and-whites.
However the Bulldogs, who may have let the chance of a minor premiership slip with the loss last week, still have the aim of finishing in the top two to secure not only a home final but a guaranteed second bite of the cherry after Week One of the finals.
Souths have predictably kept the same side from last Monday night’s drubbing of the Roosters, with the only change being the addition of Origin player Michael Crocker on the bench. Crocker is hoping to finally return from injury for this crucial encounter.
The Bulldogs only have a few minor changes themselves with David Stagg back at lock and Jarrad Hickey coming onto the bench.
Daniel Holdsworth and Brad Morrin miss out on the team for this clash.
The History
Played 137; Rabbitohs 62, Bulldogs 71, drawn 4. The Bulldogs took care of the Bunnies 14-12 in the wet earlier this season to make it four wins from the past five clashes between the teams. They have a commanding 6-1 advantage over South Sydney at ANZ Stadium – although the lone South Sydney win at the venue did come just last season.
Conclusion
Sure the Rabbitohs are gathering some momentum and the Bulldogs had a hiccup last week – but you still can’t help but heavily favour the ’Dogs here.
They haven’t lost back-to-back matches all season and they have a much stronger constitution than South Sydney, making them a sturdier choice.
The Rabbitohs have confidence right now, and some flair, but their defence is still far from proven. One gets the feeling the kennel will be serving Rabbit stew come Sunday night.
Match officials: Referees – Gavin Badger & Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials – Steve Chiddy & Gavin Morris; Video Ref – Sean Hampstead.
Televised: Channel Nine – Delayed 4pm; Fox Sports – Delayed 6pm.
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