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Rabbitohs v Titans match preview
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Gold Coast Titans
Saturday July 28, 2007
Telstra Stadium
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Referee: Gavin Badger
Head-to-head: Played 1, Titans 1, Rabbitohs 0
Head-to-head at Telstra Stadium: yet to play at this venue
Last match: Titans 25 def. Rabbitohs 18 at Carrara Stadium round 11
Form (last five matches); Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs are short-priced favourites for this game but the bookies might be over-reading the play.
The Titans are missing some of their stars but still have some big names in their team. If Souths are to qualify for the finals this is a game they need to win but the NRL newcomers will be just as desperate. The home side has really hit some form at the right time of the season winning four of their last seven games after a mid-season slump during which they lost five games on the trot. In contrast the Titans are in a bit of a hole losing their last four straight.
Scott Prince was the key figure in the clubs’ inaugural clash on the Gold Coast in round 11. The classy playmaker scored two tries in that fixture but is missing this week due to a sternum injury. The Titans other big name back dual international Mat Rogers is also missing but Luke O’Dwyer and Brett Delaney are two youngsters who should look forward to challenges like this.
Without Prince and Rogers the Titans can struggle in attack and they will need to lift against an opposition with the third best defence in the NRL.
Souths last start win over the fourth placed Cowboys should give them plenty of confidence especially as their attack looked dangerous.
Halfback Eddie Paea and hooker Issac Luke have retained their spots in the starting side and it will be interesting to see how the Titans try to contain these two young guns.
The Titans forward pack led by Luke Bailey is still a very strong one, with some back-up firepower on the bench. But they will still find it tough going against arguably the most consistent pack in the NRL competition. The Rabbitohs have lost Manase Manuokafoa through a knee injury and another Souths junior Shannan McPherson steps up to take his place.
This tune of this match could well be decided in the opening 20 minutes. If Souths pick up where they left off last week and dominate the Titans the home side’s confidence may be sapped. But if the Titans can ask some questions of the Rabbitohs’ rock solid defence and get some early points on the board they might be able to recapture their form of earlier in the season.
One interesting officiating statistic is that the Rabbitohs have never won a game under Gavin Badger in nine outings.
Key match-ups
Roy Asotasi v Luke Bailey
These two continue to prove their worth as two of the leading props in the NRL who consistently take their sides forward and inspire their team mates. Sure to crash into each other in the middle of the ruck on numerous occasions. Bailey scored two tries last week while Asotasi made 208m and 25 tackles. Whoever has the most impressive stats of these too will in all likelihood be on the winning team.
Eddie Paea v Josh Lewis
Two up-and-coming stars who will be depended upon to get their backlines firing. Both halfbacks are good ball players who can take on the line as well.
John Sutton v Anthony Laffranchi
This is Sutton’s second game back from shoulder surgery and he will be looking to put his stamp on the game. His offloads out wide offer the Rabbitohs great second phase play. Laffranchi is the Titans unsung hero this year, and figures well in many of the key statistics. Can get a good ball away in traffic also.
Players to watch
Nathan Merritt
He had ad an outstanding game at fullback from the outset last week. Runs the ball back strongly and swiftly and loves sniffing around the ruck following up the big forwards. The more time he spends in the no.1 jersey the better he is likely to get.
Chris Walker
Returns to the Titans side after much publicised problems with alcohol. Can be brilliant on his day, but can have his off games as well. Is certain to be tested under the high ball and by a rabid kick-chase team.
Preston Campbell
Much falls upon his shoulders with Prince out but he can crack the best of defences on his own. Will be looking to make up for lost time during injury.
Teams
1. Nathan Merritt
2. Fetuli Talanoa
3. Nigel Vagana
4. Shannon Hegarty
5. Paul Mellor
6. Ben Rogers
7. Eddie Paea
8. Peter Cusack (c)
9. Issac Luke
10. Roy Asotasi (c)
11. John Sutton
12. David Fa’alogo
13. Dean Widders
Interchange
14. Shane Rigon
15. Luke Stuart
16. Shannan McPherson
17. Scott Geddes
Coach – Jason Taylor
Gold Coast Titans
1. Chris Walker
2. Jake Webster
3. Luke O'Dwyer
4. Brett Delaney
5. Smith Samau
6. Preston Campbell
7. Josh Lewis
8. Luke Bailey (c)
9. TBA
10. Ian Donnelly
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Luke Swain
Interchange
14. Matt Hilder
15. Daniel Conn
16. Gavin Cooper
17. Josh Graham
18. Kris Kahler,
20. James Stosic
(two to be omitted)
Coach – John Cartwright
