Sydney Morning Herald

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

THE South Sydney boys were terrific. To play and win at Brookvale Oval in such a hostile environment against a highly motivated Manly side is indeed a huge performance.

There was no fluke about this victory. Nor was there anything mystical in the way it was achieved.

Souths were by no means perfect but they played with great passion. Their execution of their plays was not all that precise but they made up for it with their persistence.

I saw nothing special in the way of tactics or an extraordinary game plan; however, they applied themselves diligently to the basics.

Physically they seemed to struggle with the strength of the Manly players but not once were they intimidated.

Their kicking game was even a little ordinary but they chased their kicks with enthusiasm and determination to get good results.

This was a win based on spirit, heart and togetherness. Down 12-0 in the early stages they refused to buckle.

They weathered the early onslaught. They fought back with their own brand of desire.

They endured. In the end they conquered.

It was a very special night for the Rabbitohs.

MANLY'S ATTITUDE

I don't think I've ever seen a team punished so severely by their own complacency and arrogance.

The home side started with their usual opening gambit of thunder and bluster, thinking they would simply blow the Rabbitohs away.

They scored the first two tries of the game to set up big lead; at that moment I honestly believe Manly thought the Rabbits would bow to their greatness and fade away.

Instead the Rabbitohs stuck it to them; and when the backlash came, Manly didn't handle it.

They didn't think the Rabbits had it in them. Manly lost all composure and control. They repeatedly turned the ball over to their eager opponents and their discipline in defence went right out the window.

They conceded soft penalties through their own frustration and their inability to control their attitude in the face of such a spirited challenge.

MANLY'S ATTACK

I've been saying all season how the Manly playmakers run sideways far too often. From hooker, to half, to their five-eighth, they run continually across field with the ball and totally stifle the opportunities for their outside backs.

This is why they have to resort to the rushed and unplanned attacking kicks so often.

The only time they look dangerous is when Anthony Watmough straightens the attack with his sharp left-foot step back to the inside or when back-rower Glenn Stewart has the ball. He at least heads upstream and engages the defence when tying to create gaps for teammates to run into.

Their forwards look to blow their opponents out of the water with their power and bulk; however, in defence the Sea Eagles do not work for each other and cannot defend for long periods without the ball like they used to.

There is something missing with Manly. They gave up a 14-0 lead to the Knights but got out of that mess. They gave up an 18-0 lead to the Tigers and couldn't reel them in.

Last night they led by 12 and got blown away when their opponents got serious.

They need an urgent reality check.