After a strong first round win over the Roosters, results have turned sour for South Sydney over the past fortnight and fans will be demanding a win against the Raiders today.
Losses to the Sea Eagles and Tigers once again raise questions about South Sydney’s ability to challenge for this year’s premiership.
The Rabbitohs famed forward pack has been outmuscled over the past fortnight and they will need to stand tall against a giant Raiders pack.
The names are certainly there for South Sydney but the performances from star forwards Sam and George Burgess are not quite up to scratch.
The performance of Adam Reynolds has also left a lot to be desired in recent weeks and he needs a big game today to keep himself in the frame for a NSW Origin jersey.
Overall, the Rabbitohs do have enormous problems when Greg Inglis does not play. From the moment he was knocked out last week, South Sydney fell apart and really didn’t look like a team capable of challenging for the title.
Thankfully for South Sydney, Inglis is fit to play today and should provide some much needed spark to a Rabbitohs attack that can pile on the points against Canberra.
The Raiders suffered a frustrating defeat at home to the Gold Coast last week and will once again look to get their season back on track with a big upset win.
Star fullback Anthony Milford once again remains the key for the Raiders today. If he fires, the Raiders are capable of causing South Sydney immense problems in attack.
If Milford stays quite, expect the Rabbitohs to secure their second win of the year.
Rabbitohs by 12
Manny
Guest
So the surprises of the rounds continue! The Raiders did well given they essentially played the second half 2 down on the bench, particularly that the two players out are the of the best defenders in the team. It got a bit loose for the Raiders in that second half, maybe as a result of the disruption to the forward rotation. Gave away too many penalties, I think the Rabbitohs were on a 6 in a row streak in that middle section of the second half. You can't be giving oppositions that kind of help it was just lucky the Rabbitohs didn't seem to be in the right gear in attack or in ball control. Tupou will be a bit red faced about the howler he had in bombing what was a fantastically worked try. Really no excuses for that error.
Alan
Roar Guru
A sorry afternoon for bunnies fans. A lethargic and error riddled performance by South Sydney sees them go down convincingly to the Raiders today. The Rabbitohs did threaten a comeback when they got back to 22-12 and also had a try disallowed that would have got it back to 22-16. The Raiders though far too strong today. Their forwards were superb. They outmuscled South Sydney with George Burgess and Te'o feeling the brunt of some great tackles. Milford once again very sharp in attack. Raiders secure a great win. Third loss in a row for the bunnies. The pressure continues to build..... Rabbitohs 18 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL FULLTIME Rabbitohs 18 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - South Sydney's forgettable afternoon comes to a close here. Trouble at Redfern. Third straight defeat. Green Machine too strong today. Great win Canberra! Reynolds with a chip kick for McQueen who scores! TRY RABBITOHS Rabbitohs 16 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Great win for Canberra. I thought the loss to the Titans could have deflated them but they have bounced back superbly today. Milford with a field goal attempt but he misses Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Knock on again by the Rabbitohs. Gee what a poor performance from a supposed premiership contender! Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Bunnies fans leaving the stadium. They have had enough. Another tough afternoon. Huge game against the Dragons next week at the SCG. A must win. Wighton with a kick and Inglis returns possession Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
NathanA
Guest
Not really controversial, the video referee was wrong.
Alan
Roar Guru
McQueen knocks on. If he catches the pass he scores....South Sydney afternoon summed up nicely there Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - How do the bunnies turn this form around? Everything looked so positive in round 1 against the Roosters? It has fallen apart big time since then. George Burgess hammered by Shillington! Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Burgess with a strong charge and offload. Time will beat the bunnies I think. Raiders intercept possession but a knock on is ruled against Croker I believe. Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Raiders have been very impressive in all their away matches this season. Set to record a great win against the bunnies. Raiders on the road again to Penrith next week. Why so many away games early on? Raiders on the attack. Campese drives the ball into touch Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Raiders yet again rush up well and the bunnies attack remains all over the place. Chip and chase and Walker regathers but he throws away possession. Raiders with another penalty here Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Raiders with 89 percent completion rate this afternoon. Terrific stuff. Campese goes for a field goal but he misses. 20 metre tap for South Sydney Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Rabbitohs need three tries to stay in this match. Short kickoff and the Raiders back with possession. Not South Sydney's afternoon Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
PENALTY SUCCESSFUL Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 30
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Raiders going for goal here.... Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 28
Alan
Roar Guru
40/20 from McCrone and the Raiders back on the attack and with a chance to put this game to bed. Great play McCrone. Never knew video referee could rule on 40/20. 68' - Penalty to the Raiders now as the markers rushed up too quickly Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 28
Alan
Roar Guru
67' - McCrone with a kick and he nails it!!!!! 40/20!!!! They are checking for a 40/20 at least!!! video referee!!!! Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 28
Alan
Roar Guru
66' - Burgess punches through the line but his offload is put down! Raiders off the hook Rabbitohs 12 Raiders 28