Buderus try causes heartbreak for Rabbitohs

A gallant South Sydney Rabbitohs outfit has again gone down this afternoon, but not without a few heart palpitations from Newcastle coach Michael Hagan and Knights fans alike as Newcastle held on for a hard-fought 24-18 victory at Telstra Stadium this afternoon.

The Rabbitohs started the stronger of the two sides; with Joe Galuvao running off a nice inside pass from half Ben Walker to cross for an early four-pointer, giving his side a 6-0 lead after just seven minutes of play.

The Knights hit back in fashion with tries to Milton Thaiday and George Carmont in the space of 10 minutes to snatch a 12-6 lead. They maintained the lead until halftime and even though the margin was just six, the Knights still looked in control to a certain degree.

Newcastle continued the momentum which they took to the break; and Danny Buderus crossed for a try right next to the uprights just 10 minutes into the second half. At that stage, you could have been forgiven for expecting a customary blowout score on the Rabbitohs.

But with six losses to open the 2006 season, Souths weren’t throwing this one away effortlessly and their best was yet to come.

David Fa’alogo started the surge 22 minutes from time, running onto a ball which may have resulted in a ruling of obstruction. Newcastle captain Andrew Johns was premature in thinking that the video referee’s decision was a foregone conclusion, and he decided not to attempt a tackle at Fa’alogo. Souths were back in the match at 18-12 with 20 minutes remaining.

Matthew Gidley was sent to the sin bin at the 64th minute, and Andrew Johns missed a relatively easy attempted field goal. The Knights looked shaky.

Their worst fears were confirmed when Adam MacDougall planted the ball down out wide to bring his side within two; and the pending conversion to Merritt was successful. The Rabbitohs leveled things up at 18-all with 6 minutes remaining.

A costly mistake from the kickoff cost Souths victory in the end, with Buderus crossing for his second try which appeared to seal the deal for the Knights.

There was another twist to come though; Souths went from 10 metres out from their own line with two minutes remaining, to come within a metre of forcing this game into golden point.

A reprieve for Newcastle but one can’t help but feel sorry for South Sydney, with yet another match gone begging.

Adam MacDougall was outstanding for the Rabbitohs, looking dangerous every time he touched the ball and wreaking havoc for the Knights’ right-hand defence.

No reports to come out of this match but Milton Thaiday may have an ankle problem which will come under closer examination this week.

South Sydney host Melbourne next Saturday night at Telstra Stadium, while Newcastle host Brisbane next Sunday afternoon – a match which will no doubt be hampered somewhat by the test match which takes place next Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!