Rampaging Raiders make it two-straight against top-four opposition

Embed from Getty Images

Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs

The giant killers have claimed another victim, with the Canberra Raiders overcoming an early 12-0 deficit to down the South Sydney Rabbitohs 24-12 at GIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Rabbitohs finished the first half with a completion rate of just 61% and gifted the Raiders several opportunities close to their line. 

However, Anthony Seibold's men stood up in defence to restrict the home side to just one try as they headed into the sheds with a 12-4 lead.

The Rabbitohs were the first to strike in the 10th minute when fancy footwork saw Cody Walker step through the line to score. Only six minutes later South Sydney extended their lead when Greg Inglis surged over before a penalty goal in the 26th minute saw them increase their advantage to 12. 

Just as the Rabbitohs look to be in control an error from Thomas Burgess saw the Raiders set up camp on South Sydney's line. 

To their credit, the Rabbitohs continually turned the Raiders away before Michael Oldfield finally capitalised when he pounced on a Josh Hodgson grubber in the 31st minute. 

Canberra had several chances to reduce the deficit before the break but South Sydney put in a determined defensive effort to hold them out. 

The Raiders had a perfect opportunity to strike straight after the second half resumed when Brad Abbey had a clean catch at a Sam Williams bomb. 

However, the fullback fumbled it and the Raiders rued another missed opportunity in a concerning trend for Ricky Stuart's men.

Momentum quickly turned back in their favour in the 52nd minute when Jason Clark was sent to the sin bin and they took advantage of the overlap immediately when Oldfield barged over for a double.

They nearly went back-to-back off the following set when Jordan Rapana streamed down the touchline and kicked back inside for Abbey but the fullback couldn't get there in time to ground the ball inside the field of play. 

Blake Austin was brilliant for the home side and the Raiders eventually hit the lead in the 65th minute when the five-eighth went short to Iosia Soliola who strolled over untouched. 

Souths were struggling to find the energy needed to overcome a fast-finishing Canberra outfit and found themselves down by double figures after Nick Cotric stormed over several defenders on the way to the line.

The Raiders closed out the victory with a 79th minute penalty goal. It was a frustrating result for the Canberra faithful, who will question what could have been after the Raiders secured their second-straight win over top four opponents. 

They will finish outside of the top eight, but they have a chance to make it three-straight when they travel to New Zealand next Friday night.

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs will look to get their season back on track against the Tigers on Thursday night.