Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Eagles will prove too slippery for Souths
Greg Prichard | April 18, 2009
http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/eagles-too-slippery-for-souths/2009/04/17/1239475060830.htmlÂ
South Sydney v Manly ANZ Stadium, tonight, 7.30pm
What the Rabbitohs say There is no doubting their effort, but they need to work on their execution. "We've got to learn a lot from this game," captain Roy Asotasi said after Monday's loss to the Bulldogs.
What the Sea Eagles say They had their first win of the season against Wests Tigers last weekend, but aren't getting carried away. "It was much needed, but it was still short of our best," coach Des Hasler said. "We've still got some work to do."
What Prichard says
There are a couple of indicators that go against the Rabbitohs. They are backing up five days after playing the Bulldogs, and the only other time they had to back up after five days this season they turned in a listless performance against Parramatta. They also have a record of two losses from two night games, as opposed to three wins from three day games. Teams generally find it harder to secure the ball when it gets a bit wet at night, and the Rabbitohs haven't adjusted to that very well. Plus, their kicking game hasn't been as good at night as it has been in day games. Those things could turn around, but until they do there is a question mark over Souths. I'm tipping Manly.
For the Rabbitohs to win They need to concentrate on securing the ball and completing their sets. They have the players who can put something on in attack, but there is plenty of time for that. They must achieve good field position, because if mistakes lead to them being forced to play off their own line, they are going to be under pressure when they kick. And who will be waiting to take advantage of kicks that aren't deep enough? Manly fullback Brett Stewart. The team that wins this game is going to have to grind out an advantage through the forwards first.
For the Sea Eagles to win Now that they have achieved some stability with their line-up, they will be looking to use the formula that won them last year's premiership. That is, play a power game through the forwards, and when the defence is on the back foot, peel wide and use the speed and skill of their backs - most notably Stewart - to score tries. There is still plenty of room for improvement, and that is why they will be determined not to get things back-to-front by trying to cut loose before the platform has been laid.
The X factor Manly forwards Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart know how to score tries - they had 15 between them last season. They haven't scored a try between them so far this season, but the Sea Eagles did it tough through the early rounds. Now the ship is steadying, watch for Watmough and Stewart in attack. It won't be long before they break their 2009 try duck.
What the bookies say
Manly are favourites at $1.45 with TAB Sportsbet. The Rabbitohs are at $2.65. The points start in handicap betting is 6½ at $1.90.
The late mail
Manly centre Steve Matai is in doubt with a neck injury.
Greg Prichard | April 18, 2009
http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/eagles-too-slippery-for-souths/2009/04/17/1239475060830.htmlÂ
South Sydney v Manly ANZ Stadium, tonight, 7.30pm
What the Rabbitohs say There is no doubting their effort, but they need to work on their execution. "We've got to learn a lot from this game," captain Roy Asotasi said after Monday's loss to the Bulldogs.
What the Sea Eagles say They had their first win of the season against Wests Tigers last weekend, but aren't getting carried away. "It was much needed, but it was still short of our best," coach Des Hasler said. "We've still got some work to do."
What Prichard says
There are a couple of indicators that go against the Rabbitohs. They are backing up five days after playing the Bulldogs, and the only other time they had to back up after five days this season they turned in a listless performance against Parramatta. They also have a record of two losses from two night games, as opposed to three wins from three day games. Teams generally find it harder to secure the ball when it gets a bit wet at night, and the Rabbitohs haven't adjusted to that very well. Plus, their kicking game hasn't been as good at night as it has been in day games. Those things could turn around, but until they do there is a question mark over Souths. I'm tipping Manly.
For the Rabbitohs to win They need to concentrate on securing the ball and completing their sets. They have the players who can put something on in attack, but there is plenty of time for that. They must achieve good field position, because if mistakes lead to them being forced to play off their own line, they are going to be under pressure when they kick. And who will be waiting to take advantage of kicks that aren't deep enough? Manly fullback Brett Stewart. The team that wins this game is going to have to grind out an advantage through the forwards first.
For the Sea Eagles to win Now that they have achieved some stability with their line-up, they will be looking to use the formula that won them last year's premiership. That is, play a power game through the forwards, and when the defence is on the back foot, peel wide and use the speed and skill of their backs - most notably Stewart - to score tries. There is still plenty of room for improvement, and that is why they will be determined not to get things back-to-front by trying to cut loose before the platform has been laid.
The X factor Manly forwards Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart know how to score tries - they had 15 between them last season. They haven't scored a try between them so far this season, but the Sea Eagles did it tough through the early rounds. Now the ship is steadying, watch for Watmough and Stewart in attack. It won't be long before they break their 2009 try duck.
What the bookies say
Manly are favourites at $1.45 with TAB Sportsbet. The Rabbitohs are at $2.65. The points start in handicap betting is 6½ at $1.90.
The late mail
Manly centre Steve Matai is in doubt with a neck injury.
