ORIGIN GAME 3 WRAP - QLD: 32 NSW: 8 (Blues win the series 2-1) Queensland were too good, seemed to want it more, and played better. Its as simple as that. In the opening thirty minutes, NSW displayed an incredibly brave defensive performance. They made 28 tackles in their own 20 metre zone, compared to the Maroons measly 1. In the first half, NSW had only 41% of the ball. The 50,155 fans at Suncorp Stadium couldnt believe it. It was not until Daly Cherry-Evans hit the turf - to make it THREE playmakers including the legendary Jonathan Thurston and the ever-impressive Cooper Cronk - to score for QLD. It was a remarkable break and kick through for Cameron Smith that eventually broke the Blues iron-clad defence. I had to laugh when Will Chambers squared up at Josh Reynolds to take him on. Brave stuff from both men. Reynolds, who would weigh 75kg dripping wet - including a tuxedo and his favourite suit case - came out on top with a shoulder charge that sent chambers to the turf for a grass salad, and back into the change rooms like they were screening a Seinfield re-run. Before that, the Maroons were held up more than a local gas station. No one could ground the ball over the line. But when theres three playmakers out there like Cherry-Evans, Thurston and Cronk, then its only a matter of time. 6-2 at half-time. In origin history - the team who wins game one, 73% of the time, goes on to win the series. And if you didnt know, youd think it was game 1 out there tonight. The Blues wanted a white wash, and the Queenslanders were doing anything not to lose their reputation. And they did more than just anything. The second half saw the half back the Blues have been looking for for a decade - the cool headed Trent Hodkinson - throw a perfect pass for Josh Dugan, the walking Kings Cross tattoo parlour, who crashed over the line. The Blues lacked their usual zip until this moment, threatening a few times, but it just wasnt their night. Further tries to Darius Boyd, Aiden Guerra and Cooper Cronk wrapped it up for QLD. But at the end of the day - it was Paul Gallen who held the Origin shield on behalf of NSW. The most solid side for the majority of the series - the deserving winners. This week it was revealed that QLD had 2014 on their team bus amongst their other years theyve been crowned winners. They thought they had this year in the bag. They didnt. They might get back on that bus with smiles on their faces, but theyll have to scrub off the 2014. For that was the year of the men south of the Border. Great series QLD, but were the champs. See you next year.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:19:48 +0000
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