Rabbitohs Narrowly Defeated By Brisbane Broncos

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have narrowly missed taking home a win, going down to the Brisbane Broncos 18-24 tonight (Friday) in their Round 14 clash at Suncorp Stadium. 

Michael Maguire made a late change to his starting line-up, moving Tyrell Fuimaono to start in the second-row resulting in Kyle Turner shifting to the bench. Robbie Rochow was named in the 17 while Anthony Cherrington dropped out.

The opening minutes had the Rabbitohs name all over it with the Broncos faltering on the opening play when Kodi Nikorima knocked on after attempting to catch an Adam Reynolds kick-off. This resulted in an early attack by the Rabbitohs who put on a strong performance applying pressure on the Broncos defence.  

Sam Burgess got close to the line in the second minute but fell short. A Reynolds grubber followed but the Rabbitohs failed to capitalise on the early opportunity.

It wasn’t over for the Rabbitohs attack yet when the Red and Green side gave themselves another shot at the try line but Korbin Sims got in the way, stripping the ball from Cody Walker and into the Broncos possession for the first time in the match.

The Rabbitohs defence looked strong but the Broncos found a crack in the 15^th minute and claimed the first points of the night with a try to Corey Oates. Jordan Kahu converted and the Broncos led six point to zero.

The Broncos kept their eyes on the line and once again applied pressure to the Rabbitohs defence with Souths failing to match the numbers and letting a second try in, this time to Matt Gillett. Kahu slotted the conversion and the Broncos succeeded in extending their lead 12 points to zero.

George Burgess was sent to the sheds for a Head Injury Assessment with Zane Musgrove taking his position on the field.

The Rabbitohs hit back in the 24^th minute with a well-weighted Reynolds kick finding the hands of Bryson Goodwin who placed the ball over the line to add the first points for the Rabbitohs. Reynolds had no problem sealing the try with a successful conversion closing in on the Broncos 12 point to six lead.

The remainder of the half saw a physical performance from both sides with a strong kicking game shown by Reynolds and safe work in the back line by Walker. Robbie Rochow came on to replace Fuimaono while Angus Crichton showed a bold performance in the forwards.

The Broncos looked to add another four-pointer on the buzzer of half-time but the Rabbitohs kept their composure holding Tautau Moga back from their line. The teams headed into the sheds at half-time with South Sydney behind six points to 12.

The half-time statistics showed the Broncos pipping the Rabbitohs in possession holding a 55% - 45% advantage while completed sets were even across the board with both teams completing 15 sets and holding a 79% completion rate.

The Rabbitohs came out flying in the second half applying pressure and making metres towards the Broncos line. The effort paid off and a John Sutton pass landed with Sam Burgess who crashed over for the Rabbitohs second try. Reynolds locked up the scores 12 points each slotting the ball straight through the uprights. 

The Broncos were the next to get over the line but the try went upstairs and was called a no try with Walker and Crichton forcing Moga to lose possession.

But the home side would be the next team to gain extra points with Kahu doing the work to gain their third try for the night. His conversion swayed to the left and the Broncos led by a small margin 16 points to 12.

However, the Broncos wouldn’t stop there and extended their lead shortly thereafter with a try to Sam Thaiday. Kahu made the shot at goal from in front of goal sealing their 22nd point. The Rabbitohs were falling behind and had some ground to make up with 18 minutes remaining on the clock.

The Rabbitohs fought back with a couple of minutes remaining when Crichton cleaned up a Reynolds kick and slammed the ball down over the line claiming the Rabbitohs third try for the night. Reynolds successful conversion narrowed in on the Broncos lead and the Rabbitohs were behind 18 points to 22. 

Kahu managed to keep the Rabbitohs away to a converted try successfully kicking a penalty kick in the remaining two minutes of play. Despite a gallant effort from the Rabbitohs they couldn't catch the home side and the night would finish up with a Broncos victory 24 points to 18. 

Brisbane Broncos 24 (Corey Oates, Matt Gillett, Jordan Kahu, Sam Thaiday tries; Jordan Kahu 4 goals)

defeated

South Sydney Rabbitohs 18 (Bryson Goodwin, Sam Burgess, Angus Crichton tries; Adam Reynolds 3 goals)