By James Cusack
Bunnies do just enough to get the victory over a much-improved Bulldogs outfit.
MATCH DETAILS
The men from Redfern have continued their great start to the season by defeating the Bulldogs 14-6 in the annual Good Friday clash at ANZ Stadium.
The game was tight for the entire 80 minutes though it was Souths’ big forward pack that allowed them to take home their fifth victory of the season.
1812 run metres for the Bunnies was the major factor in the result of this game as their forwards, especially Captain Sam Burgess and Cameron Murray led from the front.
Souths opened the scoring through a brilliant cut out ball from in-from playmaker Cody Walker to winger Campbell Graham who continued his recent try scoring form.
Bulldogs hit back soon after through repeated sets on the Bunnies line with prop Ofahiki Ogden scoring a rare four-pointer.
Hooker Damien Cook was fantastic for Souths all game with scoots out of dummy-half causing headaches for the Bulldogs.
Cook’s deft grubber was pinpoint for Alex Johnston to score in the 25th minute to put the Bunnies up 12-6.
Adam Reynolds soon after converted a penalty goal to make the score 14-6 where it stayed for the rest of the game.
The second half was hard fought with the Bulldogs putting on a much improved performance than last weeks against the Dragons though it wasn’t quite enough as Souths cemented their position in the top four on the ladder.
FOUR POINTERS
Pencil Cook in for Origin
Cook was exceptional today as he ran for 109 metres and 45 tackles to all but cement his position in the NSW Origin team for Game One. The silky hooker can hurt the opposition in so many ways, which makes it a no brainer for NSW Coach Brad Fittler to pick Cook again. Beware Queensland.
Meaney of a day
Bulldogs fullback Nick Meaney has played very well ever since coming into the Bulldogs starting side earlier in the season. It’s why Bulldogs supporters will be annoyed to see Meaney miss most of the second half after severely lacerating his finger in a tackle.
45 against 15
When you look at these two numbers you wouldn’t have a clue what I’m talking about. One of the main reasons Souths won the game was through the Bulldogs 45 missed tackles compared to their 15. Also didn’t help conceding four more penalties too. Coach Dean Pay has a lot to work on.
Wayne cracks at in the presser
“The worst I’ve seen” were the words of Souths Coach Wayne Bennett after opposition players deliberately trying to slow down the play the ball. It was clear to see the Bulldogs were attempting to hinder the speed of the ruck and when they weren’t getting penalized for it they continued. Bennett doesn’t really say these sort of things now days so look out for next weeks games to see if anything changes.
THE RESULT
SOUTHS 14
Tries: Campbell Graham, Alex Johnston
Goals: Adam Reynolds 3/3
BULLDOGS
Tries: Ofahiki Ogden
Goals: Kerrod Holland 1/1
SQUADS
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
1. Alex Johnston 2. Corey Allan 3. Kyle Turner 4. Dane Gagai 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 14. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 8. George Burgess 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ethan Lowe 17. Liam Knight
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
1. Nick Meaney 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Jack Cogger 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Ofahiki Ogden 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 16. Adam Elliott Interchange: 13. Rhyse Martin 14. Michael Lichaa 15. Danny Fualalo 17. Chris Smith
