Brendan Wood reviews the Sydney Roosters strong win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night.
MATCHDAY RESULTS
SCOREBOARD
Sydney Roosters 26
Tries: Angus Crichton (7), James Tedesco (21), Sam Walker (31), Egan Butcher (45)
Goals: Sam Walker (8, 17, 22, 32, 46)
South Sydney Rabbitohs 16
Tries: Peter Mamouzelos (24), Taane Milne (51, 71)
Goals: Latrell Mitchell (26, 53)
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty ImagesThe grand re-opening of Allianz Stadium set the stage for another chapter of the Roosters-Rabbitohs rivalry. The finals-like intensity was evident early, as Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray sustained a nasty head-knock in just the second tackle, ruling him out for the game.
Winning the physicality battle, it was the Roosters who struck the first blow. Angus Crichton powered through a tackle off a pass from Luke Keary to grab the opening try. After this, a failed short drop-out from Latrell Mitchell allowed the Roosters to extend their lead to eight.
In the following minutes, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves left the game as a precaution, but that didn’t slow down the Roosters attack. Again, Luke Keary and Angus Crichton combined, setting up James Tedesco for a try.
However, an error from Tedesco in the next set gave the Rabbitohs an opening. Latrell Mitchell kicked into the in-goal to setup a try for Peter Mamouzelos.
Sam Walker showed off his short kicking game five minutes later, as he grubbered for himself to score a solo try and put the Roosters up 20-6 at the break.
A fast start after halftime saw the Roosters extend their lead, when Egan Butcher crashed over for a try. However, the Rabbitohs fired back quickly after an acrobatic try from Taane Milne.
In a blow to the Roosters, Joseph Manu left the game with a calf injury. After Manu departed, Latrell Mitchell was sin-binned for a deliberate penalty. Despite this, Cody Walker intercepted a pass and ran 70 metres before being tackled. The Rabbitohs caught the Roosters short on the next play and Taane Milne had his second try.
Inside the final five minutes, Nat Butcher was sin-binned for a professional foul to reduce the game to 12 on 12. It wouldn’t affect the result however, as the Roosters withstood a frantic finish to secure a 10-point win and 6th position on the ladder.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters), 2 pts – James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), 1 pt – Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters)
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