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What an absolutely sensational performance by South Sydney and that’s what it took to get on top of a proud Sydney Roosters.
I though we witnessed one of the most highly contested footy matches ever played.
The physical aspects continuously supplied by every player on both teams was extraordinary. We have come to expect that of the Roosters, and I thought their intensity at the opening to this match could have blown away every team in the comp, such was its ferocity. Not just the crunching defensive hits, but the power running in possession and the speed and agility asked enormous questions, play after play.
The Rabbits very nearly were blown away. At 12 nil down the game was in the balance for them – not another season of nearly! All credit, and it took everyone to turn things around.
Many of us who have watched and theorised about footy as a spectacle and as a contest have complained from time to time about those physical components that seem to show themselves negatively; strength in wrestling, power and toughness in running into brick walls of hugely chiseled out opponents.
But this match drew very few negative comments from what I have seen; not even on referees or video decisions – just what a great match the players produced under enormous pressure which has been the whole play off story this season.
For once, let’s admire how the courage and determination, perhaps born out of the fear of being another victim, of this powerhouse premiership squad. But to deliver the base for a fight back Souths, and every other team in modern day footy must have the required physical stuff. I was in total awe of how deep the Rabbits dug and of the power strength and speed they displayed with it all on the line.
And of course I loved some of the smart add-ons that turned some of that physical pressure into points, not something associated with this current crew of red and greens.
The fake to kick on last play at Roosters left edge was pure genius. Last match they repeatedly kicked it to Jorge Taufua. Not this time!
The smarter play was to exploit the Roosters who were stretched for numbers in defence and Souths right edge attack was positioned perfectly to run two or three options on the play. Perfect execution by Walker amid Tuquiri in the end made it look easy.
So too was the lead up play for the second try – something truly special. Channel Nine didn’t manage to show us in replay but those short passes and offloads made Roosters defenders scramble to hold them out. When it required Kenny Dowell and Pearce to complete no the tackle on that play they were both at marker leaving Tuivasa Sheck short side on last play, solo. Keary got the dummy half’s attention at the very last second and exposed the young Kiwi’s lack of defensive smarts, drew him in to put Johnston over for an “easy” try.
Those two sideline conversions by Reynolds from opposite sides were just magic moments sent from heaven for those who have believed in red and green for the past 43 seasons of disappointments.
The team caught fire. So did that huge section of the crowd present and Rabbitoh fans watching on screens all over the world. What a great team performance in very aspect of the game.
In the end, the Roosters season ended as it had carried on throughout. A mix of a slightly diminished real killer instinct versus an increase of opponents determination to meet the required huge physical challenge. The improved awareness and willingness to attack the champions with some more skilful plays, as well as a change of luck, all played a part in the reigning Premiers falling short of a Grand Final berth in their back to back quest.
There were so many fantastic moments in this match. It will live on and on for many true footy lovers but for no one quite as vividly for those passionate South Sydney believers. They deserve these tremendous memories.
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