What an absolutely sensational performance by South Sydney and that’s what it took to get on top of a proud Sydney Roosters.
I though we witnessed one of the most highly contested footy matches ever played.
The physical aspects continuously supplied by every player on both teams was extraordinary. We have come to expect that of the Roosters, and I thought their intensity at the opening to this match could have blown away every team in the comp, such was its ferocity. Not just the crunching defensive hits, but the power running in possession and the speed and agility asked enormous questions, play after play.
The Rabbits very nearly were blown away. At 12 nil down the game was in the balance for them – not another season of nearly! All credit, and it took everyone to turn things around.
Many of us who have watched and theorised about footy as a spectacle and as a contest have complained from time to time about those physical components that seem to show themselves negatively; strength in wrestling, power and toughness in running into brick walls of hugely chiseled out opponents.
But this match drew very few negative comments from what I have seen; not even on referees or video decisions – just what a great match the players produced under enormous pressure which has been the whole play off story this season.
For once, let’s admire how the courage and determination, perhaps born out of the fear of being another victim, of this powerhouse premiership squad. But to deliver the base for a fight back Souths, and every other team in modern day footy must have the required physical stuff. I was in total awe of how deep the Rabbits dug and of the power strength and speed they displayed with it all on the line.
And of course I loved some of the smart add-ons that turned some of that physical pressure into points, not something associated with this current crew of red and greens.
The fake to kick on last play at Roosters left edge was pure genius. Last match they repeatedly kicked it to Jorge Taufua. Not this time!
The smarter play was to exploit the Roosters who were stretched for numbers in defence and Souths right edge attack was positioned perfectly to run two or three options on the play. Perfect execution by Walker amid Tuquiri in the end made it look easy.
So too was the lead up play for the second try – something truly special. Channel Nine didn’t manage to show us in replay but those short passes and offloads made Roosters defenders scramble to hold them out. When it required Kenny Dowell and Pearce to complete no the tackle on that play they were both at marker leaving Tuivasa Sheck short side on last play, solo. Keary got the dummy half’s attention at the very last second and exposed the young Kiwi’s lack of defensive smarts, drew him in to put Johnston over for an “easy” try.
Those two sideline conversions by Reynolds from opposite sides were just magic moments sent from heaven for those who have believed in red and green for the past 43 seasons of disappointments.
The team caught fire. So did that huge section of the crowd present and Rabbitoh fans watching on screens all over the world. What a great team performance in very aspect of the game.
In the end, the Roosters season ended as it had carried on throughout. A mix of a slightly diminished real killer instinct versus an increase of opponents determination to meet the required huge physical challenge. The improved awareness and willingness to attack the champions with some more skilful plays, as well as a change of luck, all played a part in the reigning Premiers falling short of a Grand Final berth in their back to back quest.
There were so many fantastic moments in this match. It will live on and on for many true footy lovers but for no one quite as vividly for those passionate South Sydney believers. They deserve these tremendous memories.
Brendan
Guest
What a load of tripe. Its a well known fact the Roosters have poor discipline, in fact its one of the worst in the NRL. Dont blame the refs for that. Blame the players and the coach
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
good argument to prove your point.....
Chris morrison
Guest
Least penalised team in the comp. Bunger, your bunging it on there. Souths have been the team with most players suspended this year. Trust me mate, Souths have been penalised whilst we watch time and again other teams be off Scott free. For instance JWH let off by the MRC after being placed on report for a late and high tackle, he had 75 carry over points. Josh Jackson on report for a chicken wing tackle which started a push and shove where an actual punch was thrown! got no suspension at all. Tony Williams high tackle, no suspension. Guerra only one week for a chicken wing tackle that was so bad that it popped Kyle Turners shoulder out of its socket, only one week whilst our bloke teo was charged 5 weeks, got 4 with the early guilty plea. As for on the field penalties, such as ruck and offsides. Souths are not as penalised as the Roosters as Souths have more discipline. Pretty simple really. Definitely no conspiracy there. Roosters are coached to concede penalties on purpose in order to keep there famous "bondi wall" intact. So pretty much they commit professional fouls to win.
Bunger
Guest
Just like the Dragons in 2010, Souths can do no wrong this year. Least penalised team in the comp, even though eh do the same shit other teams get pinged for.
Rabbits
Guest
FEEL THE POWER! Sydney City Turkeys. That's what they were.
Dominic Johnson
Guest
Muzz Muzz Muzz please!!!! Souths were great and your chooks couldnt go with them.
Chris morrison
Guest
To Scott and Muzz, I believe that the Roosters were shot after the round 26 game against Souths. South Sydney came home very strong once they got back to 13 vs 13 Souths dished it out to them and served back an almost miracle comeback. Penrith then pulled off the miracle comeback and cowboys all but got over the line against them the following week. The were chickens ready to be roasted and nothing tastes better. Up the Rabbitohs.
Zero Gain
Guest
Anyone who actually believes that there is any conspiracy after watching that thumping should see a psychiatrist ASAP.
Zero Gain
Guest
"Souths weren't that great", huh? Souths put on a master class in rugby league power and skill. Easts were reduced to spectators like the rest of us. That was one of the most dominant displays against a top class team ever seen.
The Barry
Guest
Muzz. I think you're right that they may have peaked too soon. Coming into the semis I thought they were near unbeatable. They've looked like a different team over the past 3 games. The loss to the panthers was costly and threw their plans out.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The Roosters and Cowboys forwards belted the absolute snot out of each-other last week, then this week the Roosters forwards fell apart extremely early in the game. Observations are not excuses, especially coming from someone who isn't a Roosters supporter.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Alex, whenever a team like the Roosters or any of the other top teams (Cows, Manly, Storm) get beaten so dominantly by a better side like the Rabbits then everyone comes up with the same old excuse "that their last game was their GF and they have little petrol by how far and how badly they fell". The Bunnies performance made that happen and on that night I don't think that any team would have beaten the Rabbits irrespective if they were at their best. The Bunnies have something very big and special to play for and this is reflected in their will their determination and fore mostly their spirit to win the 2014 GF, the 2014 GF is more then just the trophy for the Rabbits its all or nothing and that is how they will play and give it all till the death..
WoobliesFan
Guest
Nate needs to get over it......Roosters got beaten by a very good team. To come back from 2 tries down against their bogey team, is unreal. These bunnies are now as mentally tough as they are talent wise. Run, attack, think, never give up - this was an awesome win by Souths.
The Barry
Guest
It was tough and intense in the first 40. After half time it was like the roosters were playing in roller skates. Momentum definitely swung on the back of back to back penalties to souths.
Slatibardfast
Guest
There will always be people making excuses, blaming others, formulating conspiracies for their teams inabilities, chooks were good last night, Souths were awesome. There are no conspiracies only fan paranoia and universal bad refereeing. Refs are not smart enough to organise a conspiracy. The best team won.
Last Straw
Guest
"When they led 12 nil, they played dumb and gave silly pens away which is all the invite Souths needed." This should read, "When they led 12 nil, they played confused due to poor ref decisions which is all the invite Souths needed."
Last Straw
Guest
Marketing Demographics without going into boring specifics, and dynasties are boring.
The eye
Guest
I cant get over what a monster Ben Teos turned into,hes a game changer and a real threat to us in the 4 nations if hes eligible..
Last Straw
Guest
well I guess that goes to show the roosters can meet the challenges at least 2 times out of 6 in the last 14 years.
Last Straw
Guest
An article to give all rabbit fans a warm fuzzy feeling. The gods have given South's fans what they want, an appearance in the GF. The money is in the bank now so I'm sure the god's will leave it up to who plays the best football now. At least all true league fans are hoping so.