A crucial error from star South Sydney forward Sam Burgess has cost the Rabbitohs a late chance for victory in their heavyweight grudge match against the Roosters.
With just over two minutes left on the clock, and the Rabbitohs trailing 18-14, Burgess made a straightforward error with the Bunnies on the attack, only 10 metres from the Roosters' line.
As it turned out, it was the Rabbitohs' last chance to snatch the game from their arch enemy, with the Roosters holding on to secure a four-point win.
It capped off a forgettable night for the normally reliable Burgess, who made a total of five errors for the match.
The victory propelled the Roosters to the top of the ladder, jumping ahead of the Rabbitohs due to a superior for and against.
As usual, Twitter didn't miss when it came to Burgess' performance.
Watch Burgess' crucial error in the video player below:
I think it would be fair to describe Sam Burgess performance as forgettable
— Aaron Wallace (@wallyscr) August 10, 2018
Thanks Sam Burgess. We wouldn't be top of the league without your sensational ball handling skills. #NRLSouthsRoosters
— cameronthehuman. (@obsessedmatdfan) August 10, 2018
sAm BuRgEsS iS tHE BesT FOrWaRd In ThE gaME pic.twitter.com/YRuEBy4DIn
— Ando (@ando4285) August 10, 2018
FFS Sam Burgess. One of those games he can produce. Horror!
— General (@thegeneralwkr) August 10, 2018
Sam Burgess chose the wrong game to be terrible
— David Malada (@davidmaladajr) August 10, 2018
Sam Burgess 😧🤦🏻♂️ #NRLSouthsRoosters
— Andrew (@tzandrew) August 10, 2018
Sam Burgess’ worse game this year #NRLRabbitohsRoosters
— Richard Cohen (@rjcohen75) August 10, 2018
Sammy Burgess dropping the ball 10 metres out with 2 minutes to go with his team down by 4 points.
— Josh Howe (@JoshO567) August 10, 2018
What a time for rugby league twitter
It was an epic clash between the two old foes which had a semi-final feel to it.
James Tedesco and Joseph Manu scored tries for the Roosters, with Latrell Mitchell's five from five with the boot proving to be the difference.
Adam Reynolds and Hymel Hunt got across the stripe for the Rabbitohs, with Reynolds booting three from four.
It was the Roosters' fifth win in succession, as they mount a late charge towards the minor premiership.
For South Sydney, it was just their second loss in the last 13 games.
The Rabbitohs will take on Brisbane at Suncorp on Thursday, while the Roosters will lock horns with the Raiders in Canberra next Sunday.
