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Peter Cassidy | rugbyleaguelive.com | 28/08/08 | 0
AUDIO - Andrew Moore's Round 25 preview
Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Friday 29th July, 7.35pm
Sydney Football Stadium
Referee: Steve Lyons
HEAD TO HEAD
Roosters 103 wins, Rabbitohs 88 wins.
FORM GUIDE
Roosters: WLWWWLLBWWWWLWWWBLLWWLLL
Rabbitohs: LLLLLLLWBLLLWBWWWWLLWLWL
There's no neighbourly love lost between these ancient rivals, and those deep seated feelings will be running as hot as ever after their eventful clash in Round 1.
In that game, South Sydney half Craig Wing was hit in a cheap shot by former teammate Riley Brown. The Rabbitohs’ recruit dislocated his shoulder in the tackle and, in that one heart-in-mouth moment, the Bunnies’ season was all but over.
The Roosters went on to surge up the ladder and stamp their authority on the competition, but for the first time under Brad Fittler’s reign – the chooks are in danger of losing four on the trot.
With the finals just a fortnight away – their timing couldn’t be worse.
Still desperately clinging to a top four berth, the Roosters could realistically slide down to seventh or eighth if their poor form continues – which would mean an unenviable week one clash against either Melbourne, Cronulla or Manly.
They were held to nil against the Sharks last weekend, and to six the week before that – meaning the tri-colours outfit which dazzled us at the start of the season has scored just six points in their last 160 minutes of football.
The Bunnies are out of the finals equation but are playing with plenty of pride, peeling themselves off the cellar floor and grinding out some quality performances.
Unfortunately last Sunday’s effort against the Raiders wasn’t one of them. Up 19-6 at the break, a second half collapse saw them leak 34 points and the game.
Fittler has shuffled Sia Soliola to the bench for this clash, with Setaimata Sa to start in the centres. Nate Myles returns to the front row.
The Rabbitohs have been spared the axe.
THE BURNING QUESTION
Can the Roosters rediscover their mojo heading into the business end of the season?
KEY MATCH UP
Braith Anasta v Craig Wing
Anasta, along with halves partner Mitchell Pearce, was instrumental in the Roosters sizzling form early in the season, but the pair have looked tired and out of ideas in recent weeks. Here he’ll come up against his former teammate - and he’s already admitted Wing is a danger man.
Rightly so. The man has managed five line breaks, eight line-break assists, seven try assists and two tries – all in just ten games this season.
Since his return, Wing has sparked up an impressive partnership with young Chris Sandow. The more Sandow grows in confidence and leads the team around the park – the more Wing can do what he does best. Sniff out opportunities.
COACHES CORNER
Discipline. The Bunnies have it. The Roosters don’t – and it will come into play here.
Souths are the least penalized team in the competition, while the Roosters have been on the wrong end of the penalty count for all but a handful of games this year.
While the Roosters might boast more strike-power – South Sydney will be looking to play a clean game and frustrate the tri-colours.
PUNTERS GUIDE
Head-to-head: Roosters $1.30 – Rabbitohs $3.30
Should the Rabbitohs get off to a strong start, they’ll cause plenty of headaches and could be tough to shake – but the Roosters have plenty to play for. Their inability to score points could be an issue, but they’ll be taking a close look at the second half of the Rabbitohs / Raiders game where the Bunnies opened up like Sonny Bill Williams in a Danny Weidler interview.
We’ll have a sneaky dabble on the Roosters – but with very little confidence.
CASUALTY WARD
Roosters: Anthony Minichiello – back (indefinite), Shaun Kenny-Dowall – knee (Round 26).
Rabbitohs: Shannon Hegarty – groin (indefinite)
BAD BOYS
Roosters: -
Rabbitohs: -
TEAM LISTS
ROOSTERS: Sam Perrett, Amos Roberts, Mitchell Aubusson, Setaimata Sa, Brent Grose, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Mark O'Meley, James Aubusson, Nate Myles, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon (capt). Interchange: Lopini Paea, David Shillington, Sia Soliola, Jake Friend.
RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Luke Capewell, Fetuli Talanoa, Beau Champion, Jamie Simpson, Craig Wing, Chris Sandow, Scott Geddes, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi (capt), Luke Stuart, David Fa'alogo, John Sutton. Interchange: Beau Falloon, David Kidwell, Manase Manuokafoa, Eddy Pettybourne, Shannan McPherson (one to be omitted)
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