Bulldogs’ five-eighth Matt Burton clinched victory with an extra-time field goal, defeating the injury-stricken Warriors 13-12 at Accor Stadium.
The Warriors, severely hampered by injuries, played most of the second half with just one man on the bench, losing key players Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and Marcelo Montoya. The scores were tied at 12-12 for 32 minutes until Burton’s fourth field goal attempt, which hit the upright before going through, sealed the win in the 88th minute.
The Warriors started strong, dominating possession, but it was the Bulldogs who scored first through Bronson Xerri after a Burton interception. The Warriors quickly responded with tries from Watene-Zelezniak and Montoya, taking a 12-6 lead.
However, injuries to Nicoll-Klokstad, Watene-Zelezniak, and Montoya disrupted their momentum.
Canterbury’s Viliame Kikau leveled the score in the 55th minute. Despite late opportunities, both teams remained deadlocked until Burton’s decisive field goal in extra time ended the contest.
https://youtu.be/iXIFnTagylU?si=ufCNRisG2_aBkony
