SYDNEY, 27 April 2004 — The Canterbury Bulldogs overcame a ragged first half to continue their domination of South Sydney with a 34-8 victory in the Anzac Day holiday National Rugby League game here yesterday.
The Souths have not beaten the Bulldogs since 1999 and it was always going to be a struggle without several key players, including suspended skipper Bryan Fletcher and star off-season recruit Adam MacDougall (Achilles tendon).
The six-tries-to-two victory pushed the Bulldogs to the top of the NRL standings on 12 points, two ahead of Brisbane, Sydney Roosters and Canberra after seven rounds.
Souths’ injury problems continued to mount with goalkicking second-rower Justin Smith limping off in the opening minute with a fractured knee-cap and hooker Shane Walker (thigh) out for much of the game.
The fading Rabbitohs could have another player sidelined after interchange forward Mark Leafa was placed on report for an alleged late strike on Bulldogs playmaker Braith Anasta in the 64th minute.
The Bulldogs came flying out of the starting blocks to lead 12-0 after 13 minutes following converted tries to Hazem El Masri and Willie Tonga.
But their play degenerated and they committed nine errors through passing blunders or dropped balls, with the Souths making them pay for a lack of respect when centre Lee Hookey scored a try.
