Roosters 22 defeat Rabbitohs 20
29 Aug 2008
The South Sydney Rabbitohs mounted a stunning second half comeback in their round 25 clash with the Sydney Roosters, however it wasn’t enough, going down 22-20 at the Sydney Football Stadium in front of 18,127 fans.
The Rabbitohs were down 14-nil at half time and 22-nil six minutes into the second stanza, falling just short in the final minutes of play from upsetting the Roosters in the fiercest local derby in Rugby League.
The Roosters seemed to have a glut of possession and field position in the first half, with the Rabbitohs not making enough of the few opportunities they had.
It was a fast and furious opening to the match with it taking before 14 minutes before a point was registered. Amos Roberts scored for the Roosters in the right hand corner to give them a four-nil lead.
Tries to Mitchell Aubusson in the 32nd minute and Anthony Tupou in the final minute of the half gave the Roosters a 14-nil lead at the break.
The Rabbitohs bombed a couple of tries and the Roosters seemed to be camped in the Rabbitohs end for most of the first half.
The second half didn’t start well for South Sydney, with Roosters fullback Sam Perrett carrying two defenders over the line in the right hand corner to score in the 44th minute. The home side scored again four minutes later when Braith Anasta sliced through the defence to score on the left.
The Rabbitohs registered their first points in the 56th minute when Nathan Merritt crossed in the left hand corner. John Sutton took on the line and drew three defenders, before flicking a pass out the back of his hand to Merritt who scored.
Referee Steve Lyons went to the video referee in the 61st minute when the Roosters attempted to return the ball from their own in goal. The ball came loose in a gang tackle and John Sutton put his hand on the ball to score. Issac Luke converted to take the scoreline to 22-10.
The Rabbitohs struck again in the 68th minute when Issac Luke scored a brilliant individual try. He scooted out of dummy half 35 metres out from the Roosters line and split the defence to score on the left side. Chris Sandow’s conversion brought the Rabbitohs within six points.
The Rabbitohs scored again in the 76th minute through Luke Capewell. Shannan McPherson grubber kicked a loose ball into the in goal, with Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce failing to ground the ball. Capewell did to bring the Rabbitohs within two with three minutes to go. Sandow’s conversion attempt from the sideline hit the post and bounced away.
The Rabbitohs seemed to be robbed of a scoring opportunity in the final 11 seconds of play when it looked as though Chris Sandow had kicked a booming 40/20, but video referee Bill Harrigan ruled the kick was short and the Roosters ran out the clock to record the victory.
The Rabbitohs mounted their second half attack on the back of John Sutton who was shifted from lock to five-eighth before the match. Sutton looked dangerous every time he injected himself into the game. Sandow’s kicking game was excellent again, giving the Rabbitohs good field position in the second half.
Rabbitohs captain Roy Asotasi will have scans for a pectoral muscle injury coming out of the game. The Rabbitohs move on to play the Melbourne Storm next Sunday night at 7pm at Olympic Park.
Sydney Roosters 22 (Amos Roberts, Mitchell Aubusson, Anthony Tupou, Sam Perrett, Braith Anasta tries; Craig Fitzgibbon goal)
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 (Nathan Merritt, John Sutton, Issac Luke, Luke Capewell tries; Issac Luke, Chris Sandow goals)
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In the Toyota Cup, the South Sydney Rabbitohs went down to the Sydney Roosters 40 points to 6 at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Centre Dave Tyrrell was the only player to cross for a try for the red and greens with Eddie Paea converting the try.
Sydney Roosters 40 (Daniel Randell, Mose Masoe, Galu Teo, Luke Towers, Ben Cronin, Fine Moeakiola, Tuu Maori tries; Ben Cronin 6 goals)
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 6 (Dave Tyrrell try; Eddie Paea goal)