Rabbitohs fightback to beat Eels in ill-disciplined clash

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South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels

The Eels capitalised on an ill-disciplined Souths outfit in the first half to go to the break with a surprising 18-6 lead. But the Rabbitohs returned the favour in the second half to win the game 26-20 at ANZ Stadium.

However it was Souths who got the scoring started after 14 minutes thanks to an Eels penalty. Cook linked with Gagai, who ran a great line between the bunched up inside defence and the isolated Hayne on the wing. Hayne could only offer a dispirited brush on Gagai's shoulder, as the Bunnies centre scored an all too easy try. Reynolds converted.

Moses and Norman both produced good short kicks to get back to back drop outs, but failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Souths then gave away 4 straight penalties in a few minutes, culminating in Hymel Hunt getting sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.

Shortly after, Norman kicked across for Hayne on the left wing, but the ball was missed by everyone. Gutherson swooped around and dived on the loose ball to score. Moses landed the goal from out wide to level the scores.

Three minutes later the Eels crossed again, this time when Hayne wound the clock back with a roving run across field before getting around the defence and slicing through the line to score a good solo try. Moses again added the extras.

On the stroke of halftime the Eels scored again thanks to a total lack of defensive effort by the Bunnies. Hunt held Michael Jennings, but while the stood toe to toe wrestling, Jennings eventually shrugged him off and dived over in the right corner, despite a number of Souths defenders standing nearby. Moses slotted the conversion with a splendid kick from the sideline.

It took 14 minutes of play after the break before the score changed again, this time through a penalty goal to Moses.

The Eels then became the ill-disciplined side and after back-to-back infringements on their own line, Gagai produced a brilliant catch and pass to Graham which was enough to put the young winger in for a good try. Reynolds failed to convert from touch.

Just three minutes later, Parramatta gave away another penalty on their line and received a warning and shortly after, Souths sent the ball left, where they had so much success earlier in the year in their last match against Parramatta and Robert Jennings made a good pickup before diving over in the corner to score. Reynolds' sideline conversion was spot on.

Five minutes later, Corey Norman gave away a penalty on his own line was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. Souths immediately capitalised when Reynolds sent a great long ball to Gagai who ran hard and straight, then barged over the Eels defence to score. Reynolds converted to give Souths a 2 point lead.

With the game almost over, Souths put on one last try when Reynolds threw a pass to Graham, that went over Hayne's head and the Bunnies winger scored in the corner. Reynolds failed to convert.

Next weekend the Rabbitohs have a huge test, hosting Melbourne on Friday night, while the Eels are also at home at ANZ - they host the Titans.