The South Sydney Rabbitohs have completed a 3-0 sweep for NRL clubs in the World Club series with a ten-point win over the Wigan Warriors on Saturday night.
Final score
South Sydney Rabbitohs 18
Wigan Warriors 8
The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wigan Warriors are set to play the second game of the World Club Series double header on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:40pm AEDT.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will hope to kick off 2018 with a bang when they take on the Wigan Warriors at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Unlike Melbourne who fielded a full-strength squad last night in their 38-4 preseason demolition of the Leeds Rhinos, the South Sydney squad under new coach Anthony Seibold is without the likes of Adam Reynolds, Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis and big-name off-season recruit Dane Gagai.
Wigan will rate their chances against an under-strength Rabbitohs outfit.
Wigan head into this game with two convincing Super League wins to kick off their campaign in 2018 and could look to capitalise on a depleted Rabbitoh lineup.
Head Coach Anthony Seibold will be hoping to get the most out of the likes of Damien Cook and Robbie Farah to put themselves on the right track heading into a season filled with expectation.
John Bateman and Sam Powell are the key players to watch from a side unfamiliar to Australian audiences. Watch them direct and look to attack at every opportunity.
Prediction
The strength of Wigan will prove too much for a Rabbitohs outfit minus key members to kick off their 2018 campaign.
Wigan Warriors by 20 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and blog of the match starting at 7:40pm AEDT.
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Despite missing big name players and with a team boasting plenty of youth, South Sydney have overcome the strength of Wigan Warriors to secure victory. The first half was fast paced with plenty of action, the second half was a stark contrast with plenty of grinding defence. Wigan were desperate to get out of their own half conceding 98% possession and back to back repeat sets without giving away points. Unfortunately they were unable to convert with errors tarnishing any chance they had of securing a victory on Australian soil. The three English sides from Super League have all been unsuccessful despite showing fight and bringing with them loyal fanbases, vocal even in defeat. Hymel Hunt looked promising from Souths with his touches and Tom Burgess looks to have taken his game to another level. Whether they can continue this form over the coming weeks leading into the season opener will certainly give Anthony Seibol some headaches in the selection process. Souths showed they are willing to play a more uptempo pace, transitioning away from the Maguire era. It will be intriguing to see the make up of this side with the likes of Inglis, Reynolds, Burgess, Sutton and Gagai. FINAL SCORE: South Sydney 18 Wigan Warriors 8 Thank you for joining in my first hit out at live blogging and I look forward to covering more games soon!
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Full Time That's it! Full-time in the second match of the international double header sees Souths victors over Wigan. South Sydney: 18 Wigan Warriors: 8
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Conversion Doueihi converts his own try. South Sydney: 18 Wigan Warriors: 8
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Try Adam Doueihi breaks the deadlock and seals the deal for the South Sydney side. South Sydney: 16 Wigan Warriors: 8
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
10 minutes to go, no change in scores. These missed conversations seem critical now.
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Wigan have survived the last five minutes without conceding a point with Souths holding 98% of possession. Surely something must come soon from defence.
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Here's a stat that will help you determine the rate of possession - Wigan 7 dropouts, Souths 0
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Maybe my prediction of Wigan by 20 was slightly off. Looks like Souths will win by 20 at this stage.
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Second half now underway. Let's see if Wigan can bounce back.
Kim
Guest
Keen to know how AJ is going at fullback.
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Half Time Half time at ANZ sees Souths leading Wigan three tries to two. Conversions could prove pivotal in the second half. Wigan will need to come out and focus on ball control if they are to combat the pace South Sydney are playing at. South Sydney are playing without big name stars which is scary considering they are playing a brand of football that seems to be troubling Wigan across the park. South Sydney: 12 Wigan Warriors: 8
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Penalty Souths with the penalty and one last crack at Wigan before half time. South Sydney: 12 Wigan Warriors: 8
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
A tough night for kickers here at ANZ. Conversion unsuccessful from Tomkins.
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Try A double for Tom Davies. Wigan hit back with just four minutes to go until half time. South Sydney: 12 Wigan Warriors: 8
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Try Try to Richard Kennar. The outside backs of Souths really seem to be switched on tonight, playing for positions. Conversion unsuccessful from Damien Cook. South Sydney: 12 Wigan Warriors: 4
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Souths have completed 8/9 sets so far in the early part of this game. Wigan on the other hand have completed 8/12, errors being the key.
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Doueihi misses again with the conversion. His night with the boot might be over soon. South Sydney: 8 Wigan Warriors: 4
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Try Campbell Graham scores for Souths. South Sydney: 8 Wigan Warriors: 4
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Try Tom Burgess doing all the damage for Souths. Conversion missed from almost right in front. South Sydney: 4 Wigan Warriors: 4
Jacob Cocciolone
Roar Pro
Penalty Penalty to Wigan for a player taken out without the ball. Five metres out from the Rabbitohs line. Wigan with another opportunity to pounce. South Sydney: 0 Wigan Warriors: 4