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The Wests Tigers will have to be on song defensively against the South Sydney Rabbitohs if they are to avoid their fourth straight loss. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEST.
After both teams were favoured to make the top eight prior to the start of the season, the Tigers and Rabbitohs now find themselves sitting at the wrong end of the ladder after four rounds.
The Tigers have hardly impressed thus far in season 2012, registering a golden point victory over the Cronulla Sharks before succumbing to defeat in their next three matches.
Their last performance against the Canberra Raiders in particular will have coach Tim Sheens extremely worried about the Tigers defensive capabilities.
The Tigers missed more than 40 tackles on Monday night as Canberra dominated en route to a 30-16 victory.
Tigers star Benji Marshall also struggled last week as he assumed the majority of attacking responsibility due to the absence of captain Robbie Farah.
Farah will also sit out today’s match against the Rabbitohs so Marshall will once again be under pressure to produce attacking opportunities for the Tigers.
The Rabbitohs are also struggling this season, but have produced much better performances than the Tigers.
In their losses to the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney has shown that they possess the quality necessary to beat the top sides.
However, consistency remains a issue for the Rabbitohs as they continue to play well only in patches.
After racing to a 12 nil lead against the Broncos last week, South Sydney eventually succumbed to a Brisbane team that scored 20 unanswered points in a 20-12 win.
Prediction
After struggling to contain Canberra’s big forward pack, it doesn’t get any easier for the Tigers today against a Rabbitohs pack containing numerous inform players.
Rabbitohs forwards Dave Taylor and Sam Burgess have been terrific thus far for South Sydney and will fancy their chances of creating torment up the middle against a lukewarm Tigers pack.
Both Taylor and Burgess started well last week against Brisbane and will be looking produce a consistent performance upfront for the Rabbitohs.
If the Rabbitohs pack can get on top, South Sydney could pile on the points quickly especially with Greg Inglis at fullback.
Inglis was terrific last week as he set up two tries in the first half and could bleed the Tigers today if the Rabbitohs are able to get a roll on in their sets.
For the Tigers to stand a chance today, they simply must show up in defence and play with an attitude worthy of their former status as premiership favourites.
The Tigers have been out muscled by the Dragons, Sea Eagles and Raiders respectively this season and need to start making statements in defence.
Although Marshall will certainly spark the Tigers in attack, the performances from workhorses such as Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington and Adam Blair could dictate how well the Tigers perform today.
Rabbitohs by 12.
Two of the NRL’s most famous go head to head on a fine autumn afternoon. Who takes it? Find out from 3.00pm AEST and if you’re following along don’t hesitate to give your thoughts in the space below.
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