The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have gone down to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the first Semi Final of the 2015 Auckland Nines.
After going through the tournament with just the one loss, and coming off a thrilling win over the North Queensland Cowboys, the Blue and Gold looked to continue their winning ways against the in-form Rabbitohs.
However the Rabbitohs got off to a flyer with the reigning NRL Premiers scoring in the corner early before continuing to enforce their dominance with brutal defence.
The Rabbitohs kept the ball alive with second phase play, and crossed over two more times before taking in a 0-18 half time lead.
With the Eels looking to turn things around, they turned to some brutal defence to stop the run of possession and turn the momentum around.
However, the Rabbitohs continued to attack and despite their desperation and effort, the Eels were left unable to control the flow of runs.
Tepai Moeroa who performed strongly throughout the tournament, including a match-winning four pointer against the Newcastle Knights, crossed for a well deserved try late in the second half but the match had already been wrapped up with the Rabbitohs progressing through to the finals 37-6.
