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The individual battles in the Bunnies vs Roosters clash

106 years on, the 2014 grand final will include at least one foundation club. Digital Image by Robb Cox ©nrlphotos.com:
Roar Guru
25th September, 2014
9

There are two huge games being played over the next 48 hours. The teams are reasonably easily matched, and could very well come down to some individual magic to secure a grand final berth.

Tonight we will see two of the best teams in the competition go head to head. Both sides are full of star players and are led by superstar coaches.

Breaking down the individual battles, I hope to go some way to deciding a winner.

The fullbacks – Inglis versus Minichiello
Despite injury concerns, Greg Inglis is the lynchpin for the Rabbitohs. He has the ability, the the form, to blow the game wide open at any time. If passed fit to play, it will be a huge boost for those supporting the red and green.

Anthony Minichiello has been an absolute rock during his brilliant career at the Roosters, however is likely to be targeted heavily both in the air and along the ground. He has been found out at times this season and his last few games have contained some costly errors.

Verdict: Souths. Inglis is the genuine match winner between the two

The Wingers: Johnston and Tuqiri versus Tupou and Tuivasa-Sheck
Alex Johnston has been an absolute revelation for the Rabbitohs this season, scoring 19 tries already. Lote had an absolute blinder against the Sea Eagles, and looks to have hit form at the right time. Lote Tuqiri’s aerial battle with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be key to determining the result.

RTS and Tupou have not had the amazing season they managed to produce in 2013, however that is not to say they have been bad by any stretch. They’ll have a huge advantage in the air against the Souths pair, and both will be called upon to do the hard yards out of their own end.

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Verdict: Roosters. They will win the aerial battle

Centres: Auva’a and Walker versus Kenny-Dowall and Jennings

Both Kirisome Auva’a and Dylan Walker have had breakout seasons and have scored a mountain of tries. They have the speed and footwork to worry any opposing three and four.

Walker is likely to feature in the reckoning for Kangaroo selection, coinsidently it could come at the expense of his opponent tonight in Michael Jennings.

Just two years ago there were rumours that Sean Kenny-Dowall would be pushed out of the club he has gone on to represent with great success. Jennings has had yet another brilliant season for the tri-colours after his move from Penrith.

Verdict: Souths. They will be too quick for the Roosters.

The halves: Keary and Reynolds versus Pearce and Maloney
Both sets of halves have been in great form leading up to the big game tonight. Mitch Pearce is arguably in career best form since being overlooked for Origin duty, while James Maloney continues to be solid as a rock.

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Funnily, Adam Reynolds has found form after being linked with a move away from the club and young Luke Keary has been a revelation for the Bunnies.

Maloney and Pearce have Origin experience and also guided their side to a grand final victory last season.

Pearce seems to have rediscovered his running game, which makes him a lot more dangerous. The kicking game may be won by Reynolds, however the big match experience for the Roosters pair earns the points here.

Verdict: Roosters. Experience counts in these big games

The props: G. Burgess and Tyrrell versus Waerea-Hargreaves and Moa
What a battle!! George Burgess has stepped out of his brother’s shadow to become one of the best props in the competition. His partner Dave Tyrrell certainly won’t attract the headlines of the aforementioned Burgess, however he has been brilliant this season.

JWH and Sam Moa form a fierce and intimidating forward pack. Moa has had some highlight reel hits in 2014 and his stature continues to grow.

Every man and their dog knows what JWH is capable of. The only worry here is the amount of penalties the Roosters props have given away.

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Verdict: Souths. There is a little more discipline in the Bunnies pairing

Hookers: Luke versus Friend
The Roosters are a far better side with Jake Friend in the squad. Fans will be extremely happy that their number nine was able to overcome what looked like being a season ending disease to take his spot in the biggest games of the season. Will make a mountain of tackles and will direct play all night.

Issac Luke certainly brings with him more headlines than his opponent tonight, for both positive and negative reasons. Friend will put in his shift 40 tackles and make darting runs from time to time. Luke will bust teams wide open, create amazing tries, but also has the odd moment of madness in his game.

Verdict: Souths. Friend is brilliant but Luke has the spark

Second row and lock: Turner, Sutton, Burgess versus Cordner, SBW, Guerra
This clash could be where the game is won and lost. Although we are all a little sick of the Sonny Bill Williams versus Sam Burgess promotions run in the media, there can be no doubt this clash is absolutely mouth watering and vital for both sides.

The Roosters back row is the envy of every other side in the competition. No one else boasts a back row with as much talent as the Bondi club.

There are plenty of great second rows in the competition, but in Beau Cordner, SBW and Aidan Guerra, there is a mountain of ability, and not a weakness in sight.

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Verdict: Roosters. They are too big, too clever and too experienced.

The bench: Clark, Te’o, McQueen, S. Burgess versus Aubusson, FPN, Liu, Napa
It shows just how strong both squads are when you have Origin reps, and internationals, coming off the bench.

Mitch Aubusson has been brilliant all season. Frank Paul Nu’uausala is an absolute wrecking ball. Isaac Liu and Dylan Napa can belt opposition forwards into submission and create space for their halves.

In Chris McQueen, Ben Te’o and Sam Burgess, the Bunnies have an amazing amount of size, strength, aggression and genuine match winning potential. Jason Clark certainly doesn’t have the name power attached to his career thus far, however his efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Verdict: Souths. They have slightly more creativity to match the size

The coaches: Michael Maguire versus Trent Robinson
Two coaches who had success in England who have been able to continue their winning ways since returning to Australia.

Both have made their respective clubs true superpowers of the game. Both have been able to get the best out of their players.

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Verdict: Roosters. Robinson has an NRL grand final win to his name. Enough said

Game Verdict
South Sydney in a close one. We may get our third straight finals game decided by one point.

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