NRL play-offs semi-finals: Preview
The semi-finals of the National Rugby League play-offs are set to take place this weekend and each team will be fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the Grand Final.
Preview
Gold Coast Titans vs. Sydney Roosters
The Gold Coast Titans will be taking on the Sydney Roosters in Suncorp Stadium in the first game of the semi-final round on Friday night.
The Titans have not played since the first week of the post-season, defeating the New Zealand Warriors in a one-sided affair that saw the Titans take an easy 28-16 win. The Titans were awarded a bye to the semi-final because they were one of the top two
ladder-ranked teams to win in the first round. Since their victory the Titans have been forced to wait while the remaining squads battled for the right to meet them at Suncorp on Friday.
The Titans were extremely strong during the second half of the season and showed their mettle against the Warriors in their play-off match up. The Gold Coast side is the favourite heading into this weekend’s match, but will be hoping that the week off gave
them the necessary rest needed for a win rather than stifling their strong late-season form.
The Roosters began to look strong in the 25th round of the regular season and have managed to carry their form into the play-offs. The Sydney-siders have been a force in the post-season, first defeating the Wests Tigers and then winning a very
one-sided affair against the Penrith Panthers last week. Although the Roosters are considered the underdog heading into the semi-finals, having finished in sixth place in the ladder, they look to have the best form among those teams still remaining. Their
strong post-season form coupled with their comfort being considered as an underdog should play in their favour come Friday.
One of the most important aspects of play-off rugby is the kicking game and the Rooster’s Todd Carney has been magnificent so far. Look for Carney to play a major role in the semi-final match-up.
St. George Dragons vs. Wests Tigers
The St. George Dragons will take on the Wests Tigers in ANZ Stadium in the second game of the week on Saturday.
The Dragons have not played since their first week match-up against the Manly Sea Eagles, in which they won handily, shutting out the Eagles 28-0. Since that time the Dragons have been waiting to find out who would play them in the semi-final round this
weekend.
The Dragons seemed to be fading down the stretch, but suddenly found their game in the final four rounds of the year. The late burst allowed the St. George side to finish at the top of the table, four points ahead of the second place club, with 17 wins.
The Dragons are not an overly offensive side as they only scored 518 points this season. However, their strong defensive game meant they only allowed 299 points all year, earning an impressive point-differential of plus-219. This strength on the defensive
side of the ball means the Dragons are likely to exploit a wide open Tigers game plan.
The Tigers have struggled throughout the post-season, barely managing their way to the semi-finals. The Tigers lost in the first round at the hands of the Roosters, but were allowed a second chance because of their fourth place ladder raking. However, the
win over the Raiders, which allowed them to play in the semi-finals, was only by two points.
Expect the Tigers to struggle against a Dragons side that seems to have found its form late and is capable of incredible play on defence.
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