These are the key takeaways from South Sydney’s 38-12 semi final victory over the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium.
HOT START LEAVES SHARKS CHASING
Two elimination games over the past six days and on both occasions the Rabbitohs have fired out of the blocks.
Last week it was Alex Johnston in the fifth minute, and last night Mark Nicholls went over from close range inside the first two minutes.
It gave them a buffer from an early stage, and when the Sharks had a mountain of possession attacking the line in that first half and weren’t able to break through, it turned the second and third tries of the night into real daggers.
With Penrith on the radar, a similar start is a must in order to cause an upset.
BOUNCE BACK FACTOR IN FULL EFFECT
Even when Cronulla did manage to score in the second half, both times it was immediately countered.
They scored straight after the half-time break, but an enterprising play down the right-hand side was finished off with Lachlan Ilias hitting back four minutes later.
When they were able to race away on the back of a lucky deflection, six minutes later Cody Walker took the defensive line on to silence any chance of a comeback.
On a night where their scrambling defence was on point, the ability to turn the Sharks away when they had a sniff of a comeback was a real standout.
GRAHAM STEPS UP ONCE AGAIN
The man they call Stretch has come up clutch this finals series.
After he was one of the best on ground against the Roosters, the classy centre backed it up with another fine performance.
He caused headaches all night for his marker, running for over 150 metres, getting away six offloads and finishing the night with a pair of line break assists in a polished display.
His partnership with Taane Milne has been superb in recent weeks, and the winger has now scored four tries in his last three games.
SOUTHS WIN BATTLE OF THE FORWARDS
Much was made about the need to win the middle against a big Sharks forward pack, even more with the suspension of Tom Burgess.
South Sydney didn’t just win the forward battle, they scored a knockout blow.
Just one Cronulla forward was able to break the century in metres gained for the night, compared to five Rabbitohs.
Junior Tatola in particular stepped up in the absence of Burgess by running for 175 metres to continue what has been a breakout year for the front rower.
That form will be crucial when taking on one of the league’s best packs.
FINAL CHANCE AT REDEMPTION
It’s developed into quite the rivalry, and after two great performances, the stage is set for another shot at the defending champions.
There’s been enough to suggest that if Souths can put it all together on Saturday night, an upset is well and truly on the cards.
The Panthers nabbed the win on the bell the last time they played, but that match alone should have the team confident heading into another preliminary final.
With another big contingent of Rabbitohs fans expected, the sea of red and green at Accor Stadium can help turn the tide and hopefully secure another grand final spot.
