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.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Up the Bunnies!
julzrox63
Roar Rookie
Tigers r still not playing at their best even wen they were well in front. Rabbitohs did themselves proud
Goannajack@velocity.com.au
Guest
2 dubious stripping penalties get Souths back in the game - Hayne youve done it again. The Bookies got skinned again on the win although they got some of the money back on the margin call. remember this was the game the bookies stopped betting on on Tuesday.because of the level of money for Souths..
Stumpy
Roar Rookie
Great finish Tigers will be shattered, Rabbits make their own miracle it was awesome to watch.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
I thought we could only do that sort of stuff with Sandow ...
Alan
Roar Guru
The Tigers will be heartbroken here and will find it very difficult to come back from losing a match they should have won. They led by 12 points with just under five minutes remaining but the Rabbitohs scored two quick tries and forced the match into golden point. With all the momentum, Inglis managed to kick a field goal to secure a season defining win for the Rabbitohs. What a result against all the odds for the bunnies. The Tigers were the better team here but they did not play for the eighty minutes and have been punished severely. The Tigers have now lost their fourth straight match while the Rabbitohs register their second win of the season. What a game and what a turnaround for the Rabbitohs. Please leave your thoughts on this crazy match and we look forward to your company tomorrow when NRL live blogging resumes on The Roar. FULLTIME: Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 17
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Inglis scores a field goal and the Rabbitohs have produced a miracle Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 17
Alan
Roar Guru
VIDEO REFEREE - Inglis looks to have scored a field goal here but the referee is checking. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 16
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Rabbitohs strong in defence and Marshall kicks and finds Inglis on the full. Rabbitohs in terrific position for the field goal here... Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 16
Alan
Roar Guru
GOLDEN POINT KICKOFF - Tigers with possession. What a fightback from South Sydney. They learn't a lesson or two from their loss to the Roosters that's for sure. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 16
Alan
Roar Guru
Marshall on fulltime decides to chip kick and nearly gifts the Rabbitohs another opportunity score a field goal. What a finish to a contest that the Tigers had completely under control five minutes ago. Golden Point awaits. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 16
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 16
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Strap yourselves in for golden point here as the Rabbitohs work it out from their own half. South Sydney get the penalty now and now they get the opportunity to perhaps win the game. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 16
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Reynolds converts from the sideline and its 16 all. What a comeback from South Sydney!!! Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 16
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY RABBITOHS - Everingham has scored for the Rabbitohs off a great grubber from Taylor. Game on!!! Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 14
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Well the Rabbitohs have scored when they needed to and are back in this. Taylor gets the penalty and all of a sudden the Rabbitohs with a chance to go on the attack and perhaps level the scores here. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 10
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY RABBITOHS - Luke scores his second try here and he has been by far South Sydney's best today. Once again he runs from dummy-half and scores. Reynolds converts and its 16-10 now. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 10
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Tigers continue to rush up in defence and it is a tactic that has really frustrated the Rabbitohs attack. South Sydney get the penalty though and need to score now. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 4
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Ryan is forced into touch despite some further brilliance from Marshall. Rabbitohs with the scrum feed but this match looks well out of their reach now. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 4
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Tigers should score here as the Rabbitohs seem to have lost hope now. Tigers smell blood here. Tigers 16 Rabbitohs 4