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The New Zealand Warriors finally put some runs on the board last week, but they face their toughest challenge yet when they tackle the undefeated South Sydney Rabbitohs at Mt Smart Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 2.00pm AEST.
The monkey is off the back of coach Matt Elliott – but he has a gorilla to contend with in round five.
Led by near-unstoppable fullback Greg Inglis and the composed guidance of young halfback Adam Reynolds, the Rabbitohs look even better than in 2012 and are shaping as grand final favourites.
For all their improvement, the Rabbitohs have never travelled well to New Zealand, claiming just a 20 percent win rate at Mt Smart Stadium since they returned to the NRL in 2000.
Despite that record they still start this one as hot favourites and their current form too good to deny.
The Warriors hit their straps last week, boosted by the return of Nathan Friend, whose dummy half work had been sorely missed as well as big games from captain Simon Mannering and halfback Shaun Johnson.
Johnson’s kicking game was on song – both during play and when attempting conversions – and it will need to be strong again if he’s to give his side a sniff.
They’ll need to bring it to the Rabbitohs physically, too – Inglis and the Burgess brothers in particular have been physically dominant this year, winning plenty of quick play-the-balls and getting their team on the front foot going forward.
If the likes of Ben Matulino, Sam Rapira and powerhouse centre Konrad Hurrell can step up and match them, the Warriors might be in with a chance, especially when buoyed by the home crowd.
For mine, though, there is a big gap between these two NRL sides at the moment, and that will be reflected in the scoreline. Rabbitohs to win comfortably.
Can the Warriors cause a mega upset and continue their resurgence, or will the Rabbitohs once again prove they’re the real deal? Join us at 2.00pm AEST for live score updates and debate on our live blog.
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