Souths are getting up for the games they should - like a Roosters, Warriors, Saints, Manly or Dogs.
However for games against the Gold Coast, Tigers, Panthers and Canberra, where they should beat them easily, they are down on effort and look lethargic, disinterested.
I also think that these 'lower' teams are revving up to take on Souths to knock them back a peg or two.
How many tries were held up last night by 3-5 defenders coming in and extinguishing any chance of a Souths try? 3? 4?
Holes in defence too.
We also missed GI last night. Our whole season has seen players in and out AND like it affected previous premiers, with added expectation to be great the following season along with the other things - WCC, Rep players, player losses (T'eo, Auvava and Burgess have been big losses IMHO) as well as injuries to key players throughout the season (Sutton, Luke, Walker, Reynolds).
That said, Souths look to playing tempo footy, just aiming for the finals. I also think the comp is much more even than people give credit. The Tigers, Raiders and Panthers in particular put in excellent attacking and defensive efforts against us and should be commended AND applauded. Last night the Panthers were hungry. Souths have to match that. We're in a decent position and in decent shape. They have key games coming up and Souths need to be focused and ready or it will go pear shaped.
Finally, a few Souths blokes are stale. McQueen, Lowe and even Tyrrell at times look tired. Our back line lacks spark as well.
I'm not head in the sand pretending there aren't issues, but I'm not razors to the wrists...yet.
Should be an interesting last 8 rounds for sure. As long as we make the 8, there's still a tilt for a title but we have to keep those hungrier teams at bay.