Phil Gould rates Eels and Souths

Phil 'Gus' Gould wrote an impressive article after the Parramatta Eels / South Sydney game yesterday. Gus gives a good insight into the shortcomings of both teams and this is a good read for all NRL enthusiasts: (Phil Gould writes regularly for the Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper)


Rabbits and Eels show each other what they're lacking:

IF SOUTH Sydney could borrow some of the attacking flair and individual skills of the Parramatta team, I really think they would be genuine top-four contenders.

If Parramatta possessed some of the earthy, working-man's grit and determination found in the South Sydney troops, they would be genuine contenders for this year's title.

I get the feeling both teams will come up well short of these goals, but maybe Parramatta could at least find some of what they are missing in yesterday's opponents.

Souths, on the other hand, will need to buy players to fill their missing links in the quest for higher honours.

Yesterday's game showed us yet again the stark reality of this competition on the score of the "haves" and the "have-nots".

I'll start with the Rabbitohs. They were never going to win yesterday and always looked to be a couple of steps behind the pace. Yet, with the exception of one blow-out loss against a red-hot Bulldogs team, they have always managed to fight to the death and keep themselves in the contest.

This game gave us more evidence of their improved defensive technique and their courage to compete for the full 80 minutes. Defence is the hardest part of the game and the way Souths have defended all season reflects their commitment and desire.

Parramatta dominated possession and field position in the first half and recorded only one error during this period - when the video referee ruled a knock-on against winger Eric Grothe over the try line.

They used their possession well and threw everything in their repertoire at the Rabbits in the search for tries.

The visitors, though, showed great composure under fire and refused to buckle. I dare say a few other teams in this competition would have capitulated under the weight of defensive pressure and, after the Eels led 14-0 at the break, looked down the barrel of a 30-point deficit.

The problem for the Rabbitohs is that they lack genuine creativity or spark in attack. Their forwards are tough and tradesman-like, but few of them pass or offload with any confidence.

Their halves are conscientious workers but look a bit like a bloke learning to dance who is concentrating too much on where to put his feet rather than just moving to the music.

Their outside backs are more than capable but get limited opportunities.

Souths would kill to have the skill and confidence of Eels halves Tim Smith and Brett Finch. If the stupid salary cap rules would let them splash out, they would match rugby union's money to acquire the awesome ball-running talents of the likes of Timana Tahu.

Souths have no back-row forward with the impact and attacking arsenal of a Feleti Mateo, and their dummy-halves, Stuart Webb and Shane Rigon, though willing and aggressive, lack the confidence and brashness of the Parramatta pair of Mark Riddell and PJ Marsh.

In attack, Souths moved the ball laterally too often in trying to breach the Parramatta defence, when a more direct approach was required.

Their best results came when they put bodies in motion and the ball-carrier dummied and ran. Five-eighth Ben Rogers produced such a play in the 72nd minute to break into the back field and put Nathan Merritt in to score - but it was too little, too late.

Parramatta, on the other hand, have no such trouble creating scoring opportunities. They have the skill, flair and speed in the backs; and they have the bulk, power and athleticism in the forwards to trouble any team.

When they are really on their game, they can blow sides off the park.

On other occasions, they appear to lack the hunger. They often resemble a well-fed cat playing with a half-dead mouse, not really caring if the critter gets up and runs away.

In short, Souths have the defence, the grit and the hunger, but lack the necessary skill in attack to reach their goals this season.

Parramatta have everything you need to win a competition - except the steely eyes and the fire in the belly.