NRL Round 7 Preview and Prediction - Canterbury Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium
Canterbury Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium
Preview - The traditional Good Friday clash is upon us here as the Bulldogs tackle the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium. Both sides are coming off last start victories with the Bulldogs getting past the Knights, while the Rabbitohs held on for a 1-point win over Penrith. With both sides sitting at 3-3 and in the muddled middle of the NRL table, this already looks like a crucial game in the context of both teams’ seasons. The Bulldogs built on their upset win over the Broncos by grinding out a 22-12 win in Newcastle, despite having a couple of lucky calls go their way. Whilst it wasn't convincing, the Bulldogs’ defensive grit appears to be back in their game the past couple of weeks, which has led to the re-signing of coach Des Hasler for another two years. The Rabbitohs 21-20 win over Penrith keeps them in a reasonable spot on the ladder after 6 rounds, taking advantage of the fact Anthony Griffin dropped 3 key players for the Panthers.
History - These two sides have been very evenly matched in the Good Friday games, winning two each. The Rabbits hold a slender advantage over the past 10 between them, winning 6 of them. The Bulldogs have a clear win advantage head to head at ANZ, having won 15 from 23 overall.
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report –Bulldogs’ Coach Des Hasler has sprung a selection surprise by leaving rookie Matt Frawley out of his 17. Frawley, I thought, has played with a real confidence and calmness in his two games at halfback and I thought he had done an outstanding job leading his side around the park. There are rumours he could be on the bench, which is where he was against the Knights before coming on and making a big impact. Goal kicking winger Kerrod Holland is right to return from injury and wins his place back on the wing, with Brett Morris shifting back to fullback.
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - Michael Maguire has named an unchanged 17 from the side that snuck home against Penrith last week. Young backrower Angus Crichton was outstanding last week and looks like a future representative player in the back row.
Verdict - Bulldogs by 1-8
I thought long and hard about tipping somewhat of an upset here and the Rabbitohs however I am tipping a slender victory for the Bulldogs. Souths are playing a different style of football this year less revolved around their forward pack that is more effective with the players they have at their disposal. There seems less reliance on the power game and more licence to use the football and they have been able to score points this year which I thought might be a problem without Greg Inglis. The Bulldogs have ground out a couple of wins, and I think some of their senior forwards are starting to hit their straps after a slow start to the season.
The Bulldogs attack is still far from convincing, however I think with Matt Frawley at halfback they are looking more composed and clinical inside the opponents red zone. I thought they were a little lucky to get a win in Newcastle given a couple of key decisions went their way however after 2 wins on the trot they are starting to build some momentum. There is no doubt the Bulldogs will try and drag Souths into an arm wrestle here, hoping they can use their size advantage in the forwards to get on top. If they can do that I think they will win this game by a try or less.