Rabbits look adorably cute. But behind that harmless bunny face - lurks something else. One that has beat us around, and skinned us alive over the last 5 games conceding almost 37ppg; to feed us to the bunny farm.
We haven't beaten this bogeyman for over three years.
Not since R12, 2019, 26-14 at Commbank. Not since the halycon days of David Gower, the warrior Ma'u and lesser lights such as Hoffman, Terepo, and Moeroa . We're due.
Since Arthur's head coaching tenure from 2014, we have the worst record against the Rabbits - winning the last 5/15 (33% win ratio, equal worst with the Roosters). And no other team in the competition has beaten us for the last 5 straight, not even for four straight.
Against the Rabbits, we have conceded between 30-40 points for each of the last 5 games, losing by an average of 13-6 - 36.8ppg.
However, are we finally turning the corner this year?
We took care of the SIlvertails at Brookvale and stepped up in our round 20 Friday night encounter. There were plenty of good signs even if the Silvertails Saab-inspired left edge made our right look very vulnerable. Souths with their top three left edge attack and a firing Mitchell will test it to the limits.
Without Moses, we fought hard - and when the game was on the line - we put the Silvertails to the sword, paying homage to Waqa's 150th. Jakob Arthur did his job - playing second fiddle for 78-79 minutes - to allow more experienced players such as Brown, Gutho, Reed, Lane and co. to do their thing. Young Jakob also provided two nice touches that resulted in tries: a high pass to Waqa (a miracle try) and a great grubber for his long-time footy-brother, Young Wil.
Dylan Brown stepped up considerably to take more control over the team. He has all the skills few possess, and is showing world-class. Let's hope he continues to improve, and stays focused on his game both on and off-field. And the forwards led by Junior and RCG led the way in a tough, physical game. Lane was devasting and is in arguably career-best form.
It was a great team effort. It made me proud.
We certainly like Friday nights winning 5/5 this year - beating the Panthers twice. We have also won 5/5 of the last five straight Friday night encounters against Manly over the last nine years or so. And at Commbank we've won 6/8 (75%) this year (58% outside of Commbank 7/12). So, history says it might be time next Friday night.
Can the Try-scoring Emperor of Commbank - with 34 tries in 33 games and a double in the last two games there - continue his conquering ways? We'll be relying on it.
Will we put the Bogeyman to the sword, finally, and continue to show the fight we showed over the last two weeks - more consistently week to week?
Comments
Great write-up, HOE. The Friday night stat gives some hope.
It will take a monumental effort, but just have a feeling we might get them this time.
Win or lose though, we can't get flogged & lose all the momentun from the past two weeks. If we are to lose, need to fight it out for 80mins.
NOS, Daz will go into more detail, but the only days we've beaten Souths over the last 12 years (since 2010) is on a Friday night (5 times). Plus, they're weaker outside of Accor.
In 2022, the Rabbits win every game they've been ahead - but lose every game they've been behind.
If the Rabbits get off to a decent lead by halftime, history suggests we're just about done for. This century, we've only come back from a half-time deficit v Souths once (R6,2010, Accor, winning 22-8, after trailing 2-8). And then, I can't find another record of that since 1979.
Mitchell, Walker, Cook, their attack will make it difficult to claw back into the game. Since Mitchell came back in the last month they've been one of the best (in terms of points scored, points conceded), statistically. They're a far more ominous side with Mitchell in, and firing.
We need a decent start and not get behind at half time. Then, we're in with a shot.
Very interesting HOE, Friday night at Commbank seems like our best chance then.
Ominous with Mitchell in this form though as you say.
Sharks seemed to suffocate & frustrate them a little a few weeks ago? Blueprint maybe?
Can anyone guess the day of the week, 3 yrs ago, that the Eels won their only game against the Rabbits in 5 years (1 win from the last 8 games, since 2017, R26) ?
Clue: the only day of the week we've won all games this year.
Had to put this here
girls too
Carlo, This is absolutely true. I chose the Eels at 9.
Just liked how they passed the ball around and our backline; and became champions.
Little did I know what lay ahead over 40 years later.
Should think about putting Opacic on the right defense, swap with Penisini. Nothing to lose
48-10 Souths over the Warriors 58'
Our greatest weakness against their greatest strength. No wonder our record against them is dreadful.
Stupidly, I think we will boil the bunny.
The thought of this game makes me nervous, having family that's are bunnies supporters doesn't help! Lol but I have feeling we are coming to get them Friday night
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