Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles Preview
NRL.com
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=52416
ANZ Stadium
Sunday 3pm
BELIEVE it or not it is still mathematically possible for the Rabbitohs to make the finals – but it would take four straight wins to do so and even then they’d need a miracle of biblical proportions.
So while the faint glimmer of hope might still be around, the reality is the Rabbitohs know this game is more about disrupting their rivals as they go for a tilt at the title they came close to last season.
Manly are still holding onto first place at the moment despite losing to Melbourne last weekend but with just 27 differential points separating the two teams a loss at any stage would likely see the Storm take the top seed.
The Sea Eagles will be hoping they cannot only beat the 14th-placed Bunnies but also put a score on them to try to create some space between themselves and the Storm.
Souths come into the match with the same side that lost to Cronulla last round, with the addition of Manase Manuokafoa on an extended bench.
The Manly side is as it was for their epic battle with the Storm.
Watch out Rabbitohs: While Brett Stewart and Michael Robertson get plenty of plaudits for their try-scoring abilities, a major key to the Sea Eagles’ backline is centre Steven Bell.
With 14 line breaks this year Bell is third in the NRL and he is averaging 93 metres a game.
If there is one criticism of his game though it has been the conversion rate of his breaks to tries.
Bell has had problems setting up his supports but should he be able to either finish the break himself or find a mate then the Rabbitohs could be in trouble.
Watch out Sea Eagles: Poor discipline in this contest could cost the Manly side dearly.
They have conceded 151 penalties this season, only behind Newcastle’s 153, while the Rabbitohs have been the most well-behaved side in the competition, being pinged just 107 times this year.
Should the Rabbitohs benefit from a lopsided penalty count they just might have enough ball and field position to trouble the Manly defence.
Manly coach Des Hasler will need to instil the importance of discipline in his side and ensure they don’t give Steve Lyons any excuses to blow the pea out of his whistle.
Where it will be won: Attitude.
The Manly boys are likely to be a little deflated after the massive clash with the Storm last weekend and the hangover could get in the way of their push to be firstly minor premiers and then premiers.
Des Hasler has to ensure they aren’t even slightly off their game because the Bunnies are a confidence team.
If they can get to an early lead they will back themselves to go all the way and even if they don’t they have proven to be able to come back from seemingly impossible positions this season.
Manly need to be switched on for the entire 80 minutes, not 50, 60 or 70. Manly fans need only think back to late last regular season when the Bunnies came over the top of their side to know the danger the Rabbitohs can provide if you are a fraction off your best.
The History: Played 120; Rabbitohs 54, Sea Eagles 66.
Manly have won five of the past six between the two sides, including a 20-2 win at Brookvale earlier this year.
In the two games payed at ANZ Stadium the ledger stands at one all.
Conclusion: Manly should win this clash and as such are the team to tip but stranger things have happened.
There really isn’t a huge difference between the competition’s top sides and the bottom ones so if a side is just 10 per cent off their game they can be beaten.
Manly could have a hangover and if they do the youthful exciting Bunnies could trouble them.
If you are in desperate need of an upset in your tipping comp you could risk it here, but it’s a big risk.
Match officials: Referee – Steve Lyons; Sideline Officials – Alan Shortall & Paul Holland; Video ref – Steve Clark.
Televised: Channel 9 – Delayed 4.00pm; Fox Sports 2 – Delayed 7.00pm.
Steve Lyons
