NRL: Warriors stopped in their tracks

The Warriors held a 20-10 halftime lead but failed to hold onto it. Photo / Getty Images

South Sydney proved one obstacle too many for the New Zealand Warriors as the Auckland-based team's uneaten National Rugby League run came to a grinding halt in Sydney today.

Souths prevailed 38-28 in a free-flowing affair, outscoring the New Zealanders seven tries to five after trailing 10-20 at halftime.

It meant an abrupt end to the Warriors' winning streak at five matches, the third best in the club's history after they strung together eight successive victories in 2002, the year they reached and lost the grand final, and six on the trot back in 1995.

Souths, placed 10th entering the match, made their intentions clear as early as the third minute when Eddy Pettybourne charged over out wide for the opening try.

The Warriors responded quickly, too, edging in front by the 14th minute when Lewis Brown then wing Manu Vatuvei responded with tries, Brown after Vatuvei palmed back a high kick on the line before Vatuvei used his vaunted strength to bump off his opposite Nathan Merritt.

Merritt got his own back with a try of his own midway through the spell when crisp handling from his insides created space for the winger near the touchline.

But the Warriors ended the half much the stronger, opening up a 10-point advantage after Jeremy Latimore burst on to a smart short pass from Ian Henderson to stroll over then James Maloney stole an intercept to scamper 30m one minute before the break.

Maloney was the beneficiary of some loose play from Sam Burgess, who needlessly attempted an offload when swivelling in a tackle, but that was about the last time Souths spoonfed the Warriors.

The Rabbitohs kicked up a gear in the second half, dominating possession and field position.

They wiped out the deficit within 10min of the restart as two tries in a 3min period saw them draw level, the first to centre Fetuli Talanoa, who was given space down the touchline after a cleverly angled run from fullback Rhys Wesser.

Livewire halfback Chris Sandow laid on the next, sneaking through a big hole to lead the way for Beau Falloon to touch down.

The Warriors were in retreat at this stage but were offered a temporary reprieve when Maloney goaled a midfield penalty to edge them in front again.

Souths continued their up-tempo play and were rewarded for their athleticism as Sandow completed a sweeping move sparked by centre Colin Best, who stepped past Kevin Locke on the 22 and surged upfield before offloading to his halfback.

The momentum remained with Souths as Talanoa was awarded his second try in contentious circumstances when it appeared Brown had held him up over the line.

At 32-22 Souths looked safe but they were given some anxious moments when Brown scored his second try, charging over from close range to draw the Warriors to within four points, on one of his team's few second half incursions deep into Souths territory.

Souths had the last say, stretching their lead again when sharp passing and ball movement led to the last try to Jamie Simpson, which Sandow converted from a wide angle to lift his match haul to 14 points.

- NZPA