SAINTS had their World Club Challenge hopes dashed by a ruthless first half South Sydney Rabbitohs performance.
In front of a packed Langtree Park, four tries gave the visitors a 24-0 half time lead before they made the game safe in the second half.
Keiron Cunningham’s men worked hard and put their bodies on the line but Souths were simply too strong in all facets of the game to secure their first world title.
Saints’ supremo put faith in the same side that won at Salford last week with both Luke Thompson and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook on the bench.
Souths looked formidable on paper – and got off to the best possible start when Glenn Stewart dove onto a kick through after just three minutes.
Saints forced a drop out from the restart, but another penalty – somewhat harshly given for ball stealing – gave Souths a shot in front of goal.
Reynolds making no mistake for 8-0.
Saints almost hit back moments later; the ball swept right for Mark Percival to slide over from close range – but the video ref ruled he didn’t ground the ball.
Saints defended more pressure and more sets but conceded again on the 20 minute mark.
The ball was shifted right at pace, Joel Reddy made the break, cut back inside and Dylan Walker side stepped his way to the line.
And moments later Greg Inglis ghosted through the defence after an error.
Saints forced a dropout from the restart – lifting the crowd – and then a penalty and another drop out got them repeat sets.
Souths were more than to the challenge though and turned defence into attack.
With ten minutes remaining they drove down the field and a cross field kick took the most unluckiest of bounces if you are a Saints’ fan – straight into the welcoming arms of Joel Reddy.
Mark Percival had another one chalked off right at the end the first half and Adam Swift was unlucky as he chased Wilkin’s kick in the final ten seconds.
Saints began the first half with two strong clearing kicks but it was a kick from the Bunnies that led to their fifth try of the night.
Luke Keary mopping up after a towering bomb.
On 52 minutes Saints peppered the Souths’ line and went close through Wilkin and then Tommy Makinson who was bundled into touch.
Seven minutes later Chris McQueen finished off another fine move to increase the advantage.
Saints had their chances in the final 20 minutes – Swift combining with Lomax for one – but the South were simply too dominant and defence.
Joel Reddy added his second try and Reynolds notched over a one pointer in the final stages to underline Souths’ world crown.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries:
Goals:
Rabbitohs:
Tries: Stewart, Walker, Inglis, Reddy (2), Keary, McQueen
Goals: Reynolds (5 from 7), Luke (0 from 1)
Drop: Reynolds
Penalties:
Saints: 5
Souths: 7
HT: 0-24
FT: 0-39
Ref: Richard Silverwood
Att: 17,980
Saints:
1. Jonny Lomax; 2. Tommy Makinson, 17. Mark Percival, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Adam Swift; 6. Travis Burns, 12. Jon Wilkin; 10. Kyle Amor, 9. James Roby, 8. Mose Masoe, 21. Joe Greenwood, 11. Atelea Vea, 15. Mark Flanagan.
Subs: 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 14. Alex Walmsley, 18. Luke Thompson, 25. Andre Savelio.
Souths:
1. Greg Inglis; 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Dylan Walker, 4. Bryson Goodwin, 5. Joel Reddy; 6. Luke Keary, 7. Adam Reynolds; 8. George Burgess, 9. Issac Luke, 10. David Tyrrell, 11. Glenn Stewart, 12. John Sutton, 15. Ben Lowe.
Subs: 13. Jason Clark, 16. Chris McQueen, 17. Thomas Burgess, 20. Chris Grevsmuhl.
