The "match-of-the-day" takes place out at ANZ Stadium as the Rabbitohs look to get their season and charge to the finals back on track against the Eels. In recent weeks, the Rabbitohs have suffered consecutive losses at the hands of Manly and Cronulla, but more alarmingly is the fact that they have only scored 6 points in both games. They were out muscled and out played by sides that they could potentially face in the semi finals. People are now beginning to question whether or not they are the real deal in the run for the finals or just pretenders. It is definitely not time to hit the panic button yet and a win here could get them back on track, even if it is against the Eels. The Eels are a side that is sitting at the bottom of the table and has little to play for, other than sending their retiring stars out on a high and trying to avoid the wooden spoon. No doubt that is still their motivation now as well. There is also the interesting side story of Chris Sandow facing his former club for the second time this season. He would have hoped that the roles would've been reversed and his side would be the one in contention for the premiership. This is not the case and the Rabbitohs fans will no doubt be creating a very hostile environment for their former halfback. You can all cast your minds back to their first meeting this season where he was rundown by the new 7, Adam Reynolds just metres from the line. There is a lot riding on this game for both sides and two points is very important at this stage of the season. Hopefully the game is exciting for the fans to view. One thing is for sure, this game will be watched by fans from other clubs and it could impact more so than the sides in this game. Only two games to go this season so time is definitely running out to make things happen.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs made a very big call this week as they dropped hooker Isaac Luke from the side and back to NSW Cup. Maguire has to be commended for this decision because this policy can only put all players on notice about their performance. He has only just returned from suspension as well. His place in the side is taken by Nathan Peats. Roy Asotasi is also recalled back into the side after returning from the bench last week after a long lay off through injury. He takes Luck Burgess' place in the side who is shifted back to the bench. Winger Justin Hunt is not the utility player on the bench and although he has been playing wing, he is a regular 5/8 in their NSW Cup side. Expect to see him on the field playing hooker at some point. He is joined on the extended bench this week by Dave Tyrrell. Apart from that, the Rabbitohs will field the same team that has played in recent weeks. In the past two weeks they have looked like a completely different side to the one that got 6 wins in a row. They need to go back to basics and do what works best for them, dominating their opponents in the forwards and allowing room for their exciting outside backs to finish off. Don't forget Inglis is at the back also and with the more games he plays, he can only get better as the finals approach.
Parramatta Eels
The Eels are still putting in some decent performances since their coach was sacked. Players are obviously playing for contracts and a position at the club next season. Searching for greater consistency, the Eels have again named the same side that faced the Titans last week. There is no extended bench this week as Taulima Tautai is dropped from the side altogether. Expect Sandow to try and dominate this game more than any other he has this season. But as I have mentioned in the past, Ben Roberts needs to ensure that Sandow gets the ball when he wants it. Both players strive on their individual roles within the side and Roberts cannot dominate the game as much as Sandow can and have a positive effect on the outcome. One positive for the Eels at this point of the season is that they are blooding a lot of youngsters that will no doubt help them in 2013 and beyond by giving them a taste of first grade. Special mention has to be made of hooker Nathan Friend who is playing very well at the moment and is doing everything possible to get the forwards over the advantage line. If they are to surprise the Rabbitohs and get a win, they will have to win the battle up front in the forwards and cut out the silly mistakes from their play.
Recent History
Overall = Rabbitohs 62 - Draw 3 - Eels 50
Last 5 games = Rabbitohs 4 - Eels 1
At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 6 - Draw 1 - Eels 2
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.18 Eels $5.00
Centrebet = Rabbitohs $1.18 Eels $5.15
Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.18 Eels $5.15
Betfair = Rabbitohs $1.23 Eels $5.20
Verdict
The Rabbitohs are the shortest steam this week in the NRL. There is no secret made that the Eels are down the bottom of the table for a reason and whilst they have shown a bit of fight in their play this year, they have a long way to go. People are beginning to question the Rabbitohs and they need to make a statement here. A narrow win will not silence those critics and a loss will only make them grow louder. With Manly winning on Friday night they are now bumped down to 4th spot and they need to get a win here to ensure a "second chance" in the semis. They have had their two losses to refocus them, it is now time for them to stand up and show why they are a side that is to be feared in the finals. Souths to get the win here.
Suggested Bet
Rabbitohs 13+ @ $1.75
Bit off more = Rabbitohs 19+ @ $2.40 - Its stated above, if they are to make the rest of the competition take notice of them they need to beat the Eels comprehensively. They have the class of player to do so and if they get away to a good start this could get ugly.
Point to prove = Nathan Peats First Try Scorer @ $26 - He has been given an opportunity in place of Isaac Luke and he has played some good football in his absence. When they get close to the line, he is also a player that like to take the ball himself and get him on the scoreboard.
Good luck!
Scooby
No comments:
Post a Comment