Australia Day Challenge: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Leeds Rhinos

[DIEHARD]

Yea Barnes is a big loss but great to see him go to Souths, he'll surprise their fans. They also signed Chris Sandow.

[Coaster]

As much as i hat Soufs, they doing great things for the sport i love.

[~lee~]

Kick off delayed until 1.30pm local time.

[DIEHARD]

I stayed up to listen in live on jax radio...

[~lee~]

I stayed up to listen in live on jax radio...

commentary just started.

[DIEHARD]

"WELCOME TO THE AUSTRALIA DAY RUGBY CHALLENGE!"

They are saying over 12 thousand, packed house. Even in bad weather!

[~lee~]

Why are Souths fielding a weakened team?

[DIEHARD]

http://1010xl.com/player.html

GAME ON!

[~lee~]

Bias Ref

[~lee~]

23 mins

leeds 12-0 souths

webb

did senior get the first try?

[~lee~]

RHINOS 26 SOUTHS 0 AT HALF TIME


The Rhinos kicked off at Hodges Stadium in cold conditions but with the rain from earlier having eased off.
The pre-match hype could have become a distraction for the Rhinos as the Russell Crowe show rolled into to town but they made the best possible start when they scored the opening try through Matt Diskin. There was an element of good fortune when Gareth Ellis' offload was knocked back over the line by the Souths defender and Matt Diskin was on hand to touch the ball down. Kevin Sinfield added the conversion to make it 6-0.
The Rhinos doubled their lead after 16 minutes when Lee Smith intercepted a looping pass ten metres from his own line. He offloaded to Clinton Toopi, who released Brent Webb to race 80 metres up field and score. Sinfield converted the try to make it 12-0.
Leeds had another great chance three minutes later when Jamie Pea**** produced a monster hit on Jaiman Lowe that turned over possession. Danny McGuire burst clear but was just stopped by the last defender.
Both teams had a short two minute break after 20 minutes to take on water but the Rhinos continued their dominance at the re-start. McGuire put in the initial kick and it was hacked ahead by Diskin before Rob Burrow raced through to touch the ball down. Sinfield added his third goal to make it 18-0 after 22 minutes.
The onslaught continued after 26 minutes when Keith Senior made the extra man out wide and powered his way over from close range. Sinfield was unable to add the conversion but the Rhinos now led 22-0.
The Rhinos made a perfect finish to the first half with a try in the last second. Luke Burgess gave the move momentum with a crashing run in midfield before offloading to Burrow. He arced across the field before grubber kicking to the corner. Senior was taken out as he went for the ball but Scott Donald was in support to score the try. Sinfield missed the touchline conversion but the Rhinos now led 26-0 at half time.

[~lee~]

50 mins

Leeds 26-6 Souths

Rogers i think

[~lee~]

End of 3rd quarter

RHINOS 26 SOUTHS 12

Brian McClennan made a host of changes at half time with next weeks game against Hull KR in mind. The disruption took time for Leeds to settle back into their defensive pattern and the Rabbitohs took advantage with two tries.
Prop Michael Greenfield burst through to set up the first try which was scored by stand off Ben Rogers. Then, after 54 minutes, hooker Issac Luke burst through some poor defence to score. Eddie Paea converted both tries to make it 26-12 to the Rhinos.

[~lee~]

65 mins

Leeds 26 - 18 Souths

Eddie Paea

[~lee~]

80th min

Leeds 26 - 24 Souths

George Ndaira

FULL TIME !!