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Seven Tackle Set - 7 talking points from R18

Check out seven of the biggest talking points from the South Sydney Rabbitohs' 24-6 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 18.

 

1. All Bark, No Bite

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Although they threatened the defence throughout the match, the Bulldogs just couldn't get through the Red and Green wall, scoring just a single try in the 52nd minute.

It was the second time this season that the Rabbitohs have kept their opponents to six points, with the other instance being back in Round 3 against Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.

The side scrambled well throughout the match, particularly on their own try line, constantly keeping the Dogs on their leash. 

 

2. Back In The Dog House

Saturday's victory also marked just the second time since 1992 that we've beaten the Bulldogs in both regular season matches.

The only other instance was back in 2013, when we defeated them 17-12 on Good Friday and then 28-20 in Round 24.

One victory over the Bulldogs is good, but two is even better!

 

3. Origin Stars Back Up Beautifully

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Despite playing a torrid State of Origin match just three days earlier, Damien Cook, Angus Crichton and Dane Gagai put in some of their best performances of the season against the Bulldogs.

The two Blues representatives combined to set up Adam Reynolds for his try, and were continually making breaks through the Canterbury line.

Gagai threatened the 'Dogs defence all afternoon, with 137 metres, a linebreak and a team-high five tackle breaks to his name.

It just goes to show that despite Origin commitments, our boys are ready to back up and put their best foot forward for the Red and Green.

 

4. Reynolds Continues Form

Once again it was a big performance from the Souths no.7, who finished the match with a try, 109 running metres, a linebreak assist, a try assist and 400 kicking metres.

It was also the first time in his eight-season career that he has scored tries in back-to-back rounds, backing up his teammates in one of the tries of the year. 

There's no doubt that Adam Reynolds' form is just one of the reasons why the Red and Green are up high on top of the ladder.

 

5. Jennings' Climbs Try Scoring Charts

It's the first time in a while that the Red and Green faithful have seen a new face leading the try-scoring tally.

After five seasons of dominance from Alex Johnston, winger Robert Jennings has now taken the competition lead with 16 tries to his name after scoring a hat-trick on Saturday.

'Jenko' is one of the most improved players in the competition, and his try-scoring feats aren't the only contribution to the side, with the powerful winger proving a handful coming out of trouble, making 178 metres (65 post-contact) from the match.

 

6. Try Of The Year Contender

Although Jennings bagged a hat-trick, it was Adam Reynolds' four-pointer that could be one of the tries of the year. 

A trademark run from dummy half by Damien Cook split the Dogs' defence, and an offload to NSW teammate Angus Crichton continued the roll on for the Rabbits.

Crichton then darted his way across the field, putting Cody Walker into space, before Reynolds backed up to put the cherry on top.

The 70 metre was just another one of the many entertaining four-pointers the side has scored this year. 

 

7. Running Them Out Of Town

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In another impressive stat, only five out of the seventeen players that took the field on Saturday afternoon ran for less than 100 metres.

Some of the biggest metre-eaters were Robert Jennings (178m), Campbell Graham (140m), Angus Crichton (179m) and Sam Burgess (199m).

Not only that, but the side managed 6 linebreaks, 1930 total metres and averaging 52 metres per set, and did so with only 48% possession and a 73% completion rate.

 Despite a scrappy start, it seems like the bye did the Rabbitohs good, with a strong team performance overall. 

 

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