What we learned from the Rabbitohs versus Bulldogs match

What a strange and at times fascinating match Thursday’s Souths versus Canterbury encounter was.

For large parts of the match the Redfern boys looked devoid of ideas and frankly uninspired. For equally lengthy periods the Bulldogs defence resembled the Great Wall of China, only to then suffer a few missing blocks in the wall and crumble.

This game told us a great deal about these two sides’ fortunes for the upcoming finals series. Here are the key things to take away from this match.

Michael Ennis would probably make a good referee
Yes, he is a pest and a menace at its very essence, but he did raise a few good points, particularly in the first half. Poor ball security from Souths was penalised as the Dogs marker failed to clear the play-the-ball swiftly enough, despite the Bunnies player stepping off the mark and holding the ball out-stretched in one hand.

This began a run of penalties, including a bizarre penalty against Josh Jackson for completing a tackle from a non-square marker position, despite being fended off the mark after the completion of the tackle by the mighty Greg Inglis.

Ennis described this run of penalties as “making the game messy”. He is correct. Common sense should prevail in both of the aforementioned penalties, espcially Jackson’s. If a player is illegally hampered from taking his correct defensive position he should not be penalised for making the subsequent tackle.

If not for Inglis’ fend Jackson would have been square, if he does not make the tackle Souths potentially score considering this play occurred within five metres of the Bulldogs line.

Bullshit is not a swear word
From within the aforementioned tirade, Ennis was marched 10 metres for his analysis of the initial ball security penalty. Cheers Mick, I’ll be sure to inform my co-workers of this development in the English language.

James Graham is by far the best prop in the world
Graham matches a tireless motor with a big frame and the deft touch of a seasoned halfback. His pass to send Sam Perrett through a gap in the first half was sublime. It takes a special player to attract the amount of defensive attention that Graham does, which often creates back line plays and second phase football for his team.

Forget Greg Inglis, Souths can not win the premiership without Sam Burgess
Seriously how good is this bloke? Sonny Bill Williams may have been voted the world’s best forward last season but Burgess’ form in 2014 has arguably even eclipsed the audacious Sonny Bill Williams of 2013.

Burgess barged over for two tries at equally pivotal points in the match where Souths were lacking fluency in attack. He also ran 193 metres making two line breaks and 31 tackles. Burgess’ influence on the team is now truly greater than Inglis’ and realistically 2014 shapes as Souths’ best chance to break the premiership drought before he heads to English Rugby. After that it may be a gradual journey back into the burrow.

Lote Tuqiri looks better as the Predator
In reverse Samson fashion Tuqiri had one of his best performances of the season without his trademark Predator-esque dreadlocks. An unfamiliar look that produced familiar success for the veteran.

John Sutton should push Luke Keary to the bench upon return
Keary has been good since deputising for Sutton but his lack of experience has shown against both the Cowboys and the Dogs on Thursday. Playing wider at second receiver Keary was for large parts of the match unable to produce anything that could trouble the defence or put them in two minds.

When he did take on the line to set up Sam Burgess he again showed his potential to create a big play by isolating Ennis against the barnstorming Brit. However he is still lacking the minute to minute consistency required for a premiership victory, and Sutton as a calming, controlled and experienced influence would be better suited to partnering the highly creative Adam Reynolds.

Sutton’s strong defence also leaves Keary’s developing frame with a bit to be desired. Keary however, still offers tremendous energy and enthusiasm and can trouble teams – he would be best utilised from the bench.

The Dogs of war still remain as a premiership dark horse
Despite the loss and an obvious concentration lapse in the final 20 minutes, the Dogs showed enough to suggest that on the back of their incredible forward pack and incredible defence that they are perfectly suited to the rigours of finals football.

Their excellent patch of form earlier in the season that saw them lead the competition also proves they can play an exciting brand of football, something we again saw glimpses of on Thursday night. If they can click and rediscover that form they are a genuine contender.

What do you think Roarers? What did you take away from the match? Do you think either of these teams can claim the premiership?