Preview: Bulldogs v Rabbitohs

VENUE & TIME: ANZ Stadium, Friday, July 30, 9.35pm (NZT)
COVERAGE: Sky Sport
HEAD TO HEADPlayed 139, Bulldogs 72, Rabbitohs 63, draws 4
LAST TIME: Rabbitohs 38 – Bulldogs 16 at ANZ Stadium, Round 4, 2010
MATCH ODDS: TAB NZ: Bulldogs $2.40, Rabbitohs $1.52

WALKING WOUNDED: Solid form by Chris Armit in the NSW Cup over the last couple of weeks has seen the big forward gain a start on the interchange bench for this match in place of Gary Warburton, which is the only change to the Bulldogs' line-up. Mixed news on the injury front for the Rabbitohs with colossal second-rower Dave Taylor out for at least six weeks with a broken collar bone suffered in the final 10 minutes of the Bunnies' win over the Warriors last Sunday. The loss of Taylor has been tempered somewhat by the early return of brilliant hooker Issac Luke from a shoulder injury. Dave Tyrrell comes into the second-row for Taylor, while the promising Beau Fallon moves back to a five-man interchange bench to accommodate Luke. Forwards Michael Crocker (quads) and Luke Stuart (broken hand – season) are unavailable, while centre Beau Champion remains in doubt with a corked leg.

FORM: The Bulldogs were desperate for the two competition points against arch-rivals the Eels at ANZ Stadium last Friday night, but they could not keep pace with a rampaging Jarryd Hayne in the opening exchanges as the 'Hayne Plane' inspired his team to a 16-0 lead after just 11 minutes. The Dogs fought back in patches to avoid a complete demolition, but they lacked the genuine strike power and intensity of their opposition to create anything meaningful. Back-to-back losses have just about put an end to their season, with only a glimmer of hope remaining if they happen to win each of their final six games. 28 points is the best they can do and even that may not be enough. The Rabbitohs' edged back into the top-eight courtesy of an impressive 38-28 defeat of the in-form Warriors at ANZ Stadium. After a couple of disappointing close losses, it was refreshing to see the Bunnies peg back a 10-point half-time deficit and then hang on late in the game when the opposition were mounting a serious challenge. With such a tough run home, it was vital John Lang's men took the points last Sunday.

WHO'S HOT: Head and shoulders above any other Bulldogs player on the paddock last Friday night was hooker Michael Ennis. He was extremely dangerous out of dummy-half and didn't relent for the entire 80 minutes. It was undoubtedly his best performance of the season. Cheeky half-back Chris Sandow was the Rabbitohs' stand-out against the Warriors, with his lairish left corner try showcasing the confidence he currently possesses. There have been times this season when people have questioned Sandow's form and his ability to lead a first-grade side around the paddock, but he has struck consistency over the past couple of months and the Bunnies look a much more dangerous unit as a result.

WE THINK: Anyone who saw big Dave Taylor terrorise the right-edge Warriors defence last Sunday in combination with Colin Best would realize just how big a loss he is to the Bunnies in this one. They will now have to turn their attention to gaining metres straight