The St George-Illawarra Dragons made it tough, but the South Sydney Rabbitohs used a big final 10 minutes to run away with a 24-8 victory at the SCG.
>>MATCH REPORT: Reynolds leads Rabbitohs to victory
When Josh Dugan scored with 11 minutes left on the clock, you would’ve thought the Dragons were about ready to end their losing streak.
However, a big play from Greg Inglis ended the threat, and Adam Reynolds scored the sealing try of the ensuing set.
Luke Keary added one at the death, and the Rabbitohs’ are marching towards the Top 4.
South Sydney 24 def. St George-Illawarra 8
A blockbuster five weeks ago, this clash has lost some of its lustre in the last month or so. Nevertheless, we’ll still get a fierce clash between the St George-Illawarra Dragons and the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday Night.
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The Dragons have been terrible over the last month, and many pundits are ready to call it season over for the club. The Dragons have lost six of their last eight, and they’re under immense pressure to retain their spot in the Top 8 after seemingly having a Top 4 spot sewn up eight weeks ago.
The injury bug hasn’t helped the Dragons, who have missed some very key players in their losing streak. It was the Rabbitohs’ that started the Dragons run of poor form, so they’ll be looking for some redemption on Saturday Night.
The Rabbitohs have been solid, yet not spectacular, so far in 2015. Last year’s premiers looked the goods in the first month of the season, but some inconsistent performances since then sees them looking up at the top four sides.
South Sydney had the bye last weekend, but it was a poor performance against the Panthers the week before that saw them drop to a 9-7 record. The minor premiership is probably already out of reach for the Redfern club, but a Top 4 spot is still very much alive, and this stands as a must win game.
The Dragons welcome back Josh Dugan and Benji Marshall for this match, who will replace Charly Runciman and Drew Hutchinson respectively. Tyson Frizell and Joel Thompson will also return for this clash, giving the Dragons some much-needed muscle in the forward pack.
Nathan Green and Mark Ioane drop out of the side, while Will Matthews and Jake Marketo will start on the bench.
Greg Inglis will return from Origin duty, meaning that Alex Johnston returns to the wing, and Joel Reddy drops out of the side completely.
Cameron McInnes will start at hooker in place of the suspended Issac Luke, while Tim Grant replaces Jason Clark in the side. He will come into the starting 13, meaning that Dave Tyrrell drops to the bench.
Prediction
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I believe the Dragons have shown some mental weakness over the past two months. They’ve dropped a few games that they should have won, and they’ll need to get some confidence back if they want the two points this weekend. Having said that, the Rabbitohs should be good enough to keep the Dragons in their slide.
Rabbitohs by 8
steveng
Roar Rookie
Inglis and Reynolds were the difference, Souths eventhogh they won were very ordinary at stages. They will have to improve lots to be right up there with the best and to go back to back. Go the Rabbits!!!
Jimmmy
Guest
I agree Scott , Dragons turned up and played well ćonsidering the conditions. Ingliss was the difference. Wouldn't every team love to háve him on théir side.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
No worries Scott.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Dragons made it tough, but the Rabbitohs used a big final 10 minutes to run away with a 24-8 victory here at the SCG. When Josh Dugan scored with 11 minutes left on the clock, you thought the Dragons were about ready to end their losing streak. But a big play from Greg Inglis ended the threat, and Adam Reynolds scored the sealing try of the ensuing set. Luke Keary added one at the death, and the Rabbitohs' are marching towards the Top 4. The Dragons just have more questions after this game, as they have now lost six games in a row. They've also dropped out of the eight after the Sharks win earlier in the day, and it's hard to see them getting back in. The Dragons were better tonight than in previous weeks, but they still need to figure out a way to get the job done. They travel to Napier to take on Melbourne next weekend, and a loss in that game will certainly end their season. Thanks for joining me for Saturday night football on The Roar.
Scott Pryde
Expert
No real complaints about this. Well done Souths. Too good on the night, Inglis and Reynolds exceptional. I still think there are positives to take out of this for the Dragons... The scoreboard blew out a fair bit in the end and we defended fairly well for the most part. Attack still needs work but you have to take into account that a number of players have either been out with Origin or injury. They will beat Melbourne next week I reckon. Thanks for the call Joel.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
79' Last minute of play here, and it's been another disappointing night for the Dragons. Mata'utia finds some space down the right, but he's stopped. There's an error in the play the ball, and that's a disappointing way to finish the game. Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 24
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' Tom Burgess just about steps through the defence. Now Inglis does go straight through, and he kicks forward looking McQueen. The big man is going to win the race here, but he gets a horrible bounce, and the Dragons manage to save some face! Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 24
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL 77' Adam Reynolds puts it over. Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 24
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY RABBITOHS 76' Just when you thought we'd get a big finish, the Rabbitohs get two soft tries. Reynolds just rolls one in behind the defence, and Keary scores untouched!! Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 22
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
75' Dugan goes for the sideline with the dropout, but it goes straight to Dylan Walker. Under four to go now. Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 18
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
74' The Dragons go for a kick for the sideline, but Inglis reads it well to get a boot on it, and then fall on the ball. Another try here would really seal the deal. Glenn Stewart puts a little kick through on the last, and the Dragons have to concede the drop out. Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 18
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY RABBITOHS 73' Well, it was bad defence that let in the first Rabbitohs' try, and it's bad defence that leads to the sealer. If the two Dragons had managed to hold Inglis up in the previous set, that try never happens. Nevertheless, Reynolds gets the green lights, and the Rabbitohs will win this game. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 18
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
VIDEO REF RABBITOHS 72' Last play Rabbitohs, and Reynolds puts a little grubber through. This one has bounced off the post, and Reynolds will score untouched!!! The Rabbitohs should be home!! Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 12
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
71' Tom Burgess almost loses the ball, but he manages to regain control before meeting the defence. Can the Rabbitohs' put this game away? Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 12
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
70' A big finish coming up here for both sides. This game is big for both sides' season. The Dragons are making good metres, and Frizell has it to the Rabbitohs' 40 on the final tackle. Marshall stabs one down to the corner, and Inglis could be in trouble here. He's managed to palm off the defender, and now he's away!!! He's tackled on the 30 by L'Estrange, but the back-up dummy half gives away a penalty!! What a play from the Rabbitohs' fullback!! Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 12
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
TRY DRAGONS 68' It's game on now!! Aaron Gray couldn't do anything about that one, and the Dragons could be within two points. CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL 69' Widdop can't hold up his end of the deal. Dragons 8 Rabbitohs 12
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
VIDEO REF DRAGONS 68' The Dragons come to the right side, and Mata'utia has some space!! He floats a long ball out to the wing for Dugan, and he only has to beat Aaron Gray. He steps off the right boot, and he's scored!!! We'll check grounding, but this one should be fine. Dragons 4 Rabbitohs 12
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
67' Reynolds kicks down for Justin Hunt, and he gets good field position again. The Dragons need something to click here. There's less than 12 minutes left. Dragons 4 Rabbitohs 12
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
66' Dugan puts in an early grubber, and he's wasted an attacking opportunity there. It's not the worst result, as they have the Rabbitohs trapped inside their own 40. Dragons 4 Rabbitohs 12
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
65' Keary kicks down to Josh Dugan, and he has the ball outside the 40. A quick play the ball as well, and Nightingale has it inside Rabbitohs' territory. This is a good opportunity for the Dragons. Dragons 4 Rabbitohs 12