[ad_1]
South Sydney has arrange a grand closing rematch with Penrith after simply dispatching Cronulla 38-12.
Key factors:
- The Rabbitohs are via to a fifth straight preliminary closing
- They scored six tries to 2 in opposition to the Sharks
- The Sharks are the first top-two facet to exit the finals in straight units since 2014
On a dominant night time for the Rabbitohs on the Sydney Soccer Stadium, Cameron Murray was good within the sudden-death semi-final, whereas Lachlan Ilias additionally stood up and Taane Milne scored two tries.
But it surely didn’t come with out some issues for the Rabbitohs, with Alex Johnston (hip flexor), Siliva Havili (calf) and Jai Arrow (groin) below harm clouds.
With a seven-day turnaround into subsequent Saturday’s conflict with Penrith at Stadium Australia, the Rabbitohs can be hopeful of getting a number of the trio match sufficient to play.
However regardless, little was going to bitter the night time for the Rabbitohs, as they certified for a fifth straight preliminary closing.
They jumped out to an 18-0 at half-time and whereas the Sharks bought themselves again into the match at 18-6 and 24-12, the Rabbitohs by no means seemed in hassle.
In addition they did it with out counting on Latrell Mitchell for an impression play.
Mitchell kicked seven objectives from as many makes an attempt however he additionally threw an intercept go that led to a Sharks strive.
Cody Walker additionally had a quiet night, albeit whereas skipping over for the strive that put the match to mattress at 30-12 earlier than Milne crossed late.
As an alternative, this time it began with their inspirational skipper Murray.
The lock has been one of many unsung heroes of South Sydney’s surge to the finals, routinely enjoying an element in tries for his outdoors males by digging into the road.
He was at it once more for the Rabbitohd’ second strive, serving to Ilias and Keaon Koloamatangi give Mitchell the house to place Taane Milne over.
Murray additionally supplied the decisive play of the match simply earlier than half-time, breaking free from Dale Finucane’s maintain to go over from 15 metres out.
Ilias additionally thrived in the important thing moments within the greatest match of the rookie halfback’s profession.
He pulled off a vital sort out on Braden Hamlin-Uele to pull down the Sharks prop when the rating was 6-0, earlier than later forcing an error on Wade Graham.
And when Cronulla opened the scoring within the second half, the quantity seven went quick facet and backed as much as rating and re-establish an 18-point lead.
However for all of the Rabbitohs’ brilliance, the Sharks have been poor in defence.
The Rabbitohs’ first strive got here when Mark Nicholls crashed via Toby Rudolf from shut vary.
And whereas the Sharks briefly threatened a comeback within the second half, any hope of that was snuffed out when Walker scored with 17 minutes to play.
With that, the Sharks’ season was over, changing into the primary top-two facet to exit in straight units since Manly in 2014.
AAP
[ad_2]
Source link