Wests Tigers will line up against the New Zealand Warriors in a sudden death elimination final at the Sydney Football Stadium tonight. Join us for live scores and blog of the NRL semi-final, kicking off at 7:45pm (AEST).
The Tigers come off the back of a win against reigning premiers St George, though in fact it was a second-half victory.
While their second half was very effective with plays from deep inside their half, solid defence, and extra effort, the first half was atrocious.
While trying to extend their joint-venture record of eight straight wins, the Tigers have the benefit of playing a Warriors team that appeared like a deer caught in headlights.
Brisbane were outstanding, but the Warriors missed 59 tackles, upwards of six times were put under pressure or scored against from sets starting deep in Broncos territory, and dropped 16 balls, completing only 18 of 33 sets.
Manu Vatuvei in particular was woeful under the high ball.
Big Manu is not immune to these types of shockers, but should bounce back after channelling Paul Carige for much of last week’s match.
Depending on who you’ve been listening to, the Tigers will or won’t be targeting him with high balls, but expect it to happen.
Big news too are the returns of Chris Lawrence for the Tigers, and Krisnan Inu for the Warriors. Lawrence will ensure that the both sides of the Tigers offence will be lethal.
Inu is a mixed bag at times, and hasn’t had the best of seasons, but is a finals veteran and could help steady a shaky Warriors side facing the end of their season.
Key Match Up: Chris Lawrence versus Krisnan Inu
Assuming Inu lines up on the right side, he will be faced by the return of Australian left centre Chris Lawrence. Lawrence has been injured, but when on form will be difficult to stop. Inu has the ability to pull off a big play, but it will be hard.
If Lawrence finds space behind Inu it’s hard to see big Manu catching him, even with his deceptive speed.
The Tip
Tigers, probably by a margin of over 10 points, depending on whether they can put 40, 60, or 80 minutes of good footy together.
p.Tah
Guest
Smart a*ss ;)
Johnno
Guest
3 ex parramatta players step up.
katzilla
Roar Guru
I hear yah. Although Sterlo has always been unbiased in his reporting when Gould came onside tonight, well you just knew the Warriors were getting it rough.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Man of the match award goes to number 6 James Maloney. The former Parramatta junior has had a great year.
Samvandamn
Guest
Totally agree, the ball would spit out after a loose carry by the tigers and then they would play to the ref. I counted 3 times. You know its bad reffing when the Australian commentators would side with the kiwis.
katzilla
Roar Guru
Well thats justice after Shame Hayne tried to penalise the Warriors off the park, nothing new though, the Refs always give the Warriors the bad end of the stick in finals footy. Happens every time. Some of those strip calls were just beyond silly, some very loose carries garnered some free penalties for the Tigers and thats not their fault.
Johnno
Guest
Play it at ethiad or at AAMI or even MCG next week.
katzilla
Roar Guru
Lol...................its like you live in your own little bubble. And what do you think the AFL who have the rights to said grounds for their finals will say about that hmm? I realise that one of their semis will be over in Perth but do you really think they would give up the grounds for an NRL final? You must be crazy
Droppa
Guest
That's why Rugby League is the greatest game of all.
bokka
Guest
Only scoring 2 points in the 2nd half is probably a clue ..
p.Tah
Guest
I've got no idea how they lost that. They scored 2 points in the second half...
Johnno
Guest
Will this inspire the ALL BLACKS NOT TO CHOKE. AND PLAY NEXTS WEEK MATCH AT ETHIAD
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Full time - Not sure if you can call it a choke, but definitely destroying for the Wests Tigers club. Just like last year, coming so close but falling just short. Inu had a blinder for the Warriors tonight. Considering he's hardly played this year, it was an impressive performance. Warriors were also well behind on the penalty count, so its really an amazing come from behind victory. Tigers - 20 Warriors - 22
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Full time - Truly shattering for the Tigers. You have to feel for them. They never looked like losing. Amazing comeback from the Warriors. They never give up despite being on the back foot 95% of the match. But on this game you think they'll have to improve a lot to beat the Storm next week. Tigers - 20 Warriors - 22
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Full time - and thats it. What an ending. Hard to believe that the Warriors have stolen it at the death. It seems like NZ have pulled a rabbit out of a hat. Tigers must be wondering what hapenned in the final three minutes. Tigers - 20 Warriors - 22
p.Tah
Guest
Now that's a choke!
John Davidson
Roar Guru
79' Tigers have two. Marshall gets the ball and goes to Lui, he goes to Ryan and then Moltzen. But the the Tigers are flatfooted and Motlzen is tacked. The Warriors have WON! What an amazing turnaround. What a match Tigers - 20 Warriors - 22
Johnno
Guest
PLAY nexts week final MCG OR ETIHAD get a bigger crowd.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
79' Tigers go for the short kick off but NZ have it. That has to be the game. Tigers may get one tackle...
John Davidson
Roar Guru
78' Maloney takes the kick and misses it. Tigers fans can't believe it. They've lead the whole game. Two minutes to go. Tigers - 20 Warriors - 22