SYDNEY - South Sydney's fairytale start to 2007 is over with the Bulldogs inflicting a 34-10 mauling in front of a record crowd at Telstra Stadium on Friday night.
Chasing their fourth consecutive win to start the season, South Sydney started the better but were overpowered by theDogs who ran out five tries to two victors in front of 34,315 fans, the largest NRL crowd for a regular season game at Homebush.
The Rabbitohs led 6-0 after 13 minutes thanks to a David Peachey try but from that point on the Bulldogs dominated, two Trent Cutler tries to end the first half handing the visitors a 14-6 halftime buffer.
The gap could have been greater but Andrew Ryan was denied two tries in two minutes, the first after referee Shayne Hayne ruled Peachey had knocked on after a tackle had been completed and the second when the second-rower fumbled a difficult grubber opportunity.
South Sydney rallied briefly in the second half but replacement Kane Cleal put the Dogs well clear when he barrelled over in the 57th minute and Daryl Millard had the Dogs barking when he scored out wide in the 62nd minute.
Hazem El Masri completed his perfect night, that included three sideline conversions, with a try in the 70th minute after Millard threw the pass of the season behind his back as he was falling into the winger's arms.
Souths winger Nathan Merritt added a touch of brilliance to the Bunnies dour night when he chipped and chased on halfway to score in the 80th minute.
The only concerns for the Bulldogs tonight came on the hour when second-rower Sonny Bill Williams, playing his first full game of the year after being sent off and then suspended in round one, lay prone on the ground for almost a minute after he was tackled.
Williams eventually limped back into position and moments later helped set up Millard's try.
Souths have their first injury concerns of 2007 with winger Paul Mellor not returning from the halftime break with a lower back complaint.
Souths play Newcastle in Gosford next Sunday while the Dogs host Manly at Telstra Stadium on Saturday.
Bulldogs 34 (T Cutler 2, K Cleal, D Millard, H El Masri tries; H El Masri 7 goals) South Sydney 10 (D Peachey, N Merritt tries; J Williams goal). Referee: S Hayne. Crowd: 34,315.
