Ok, here it is ladies and gents. The one we’ve all been waiting for. The most anticipated match in Origin history and it’s expected that it will break all tv audience numbers…And no, I won’t blabber on like Gus Gould does. We all know what Origin is about, so let’s get it on!
Both sides have had interrupted preparations for Wednesday night. For Queensland, Billy Slater failed to overcome the knee injury he got in Origin two while question marks have been raised over the fitness of Justin Hodges and Sam Thaiday. But both seemed to play well enough against the Bunnies to suggest they’ll be all sweet. New South Wales have had the one injury concern with back-rower Glenn Stewart ruled out on Friday morning with a knee injury also.
These injuries have forced coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart to make some crucial changes. Greg Inglis, who has been electric for the Bunnies this year, switches to fullback while his centre position in the Maroons side has been taken by the Melbourne Storm’s Dane Nielson, who has done the job superbly well in the past. To cover Glenn Stewart, Stuart has drafted in St George Illawarra tough nut Beau Scott. Doesn’t do much in attack, but he is one of the best defenders in the game.
The big talking point leading up to Wednesday is Dave Taylor and his axing from the Queensland squad. He had a shocker in game two but backed it up with a wonderful performance against the Eels. However, he played terribly against the Broncos and questions were raised about whether he is going well enough to be picked. He was named in an extended squad but was subsequently cut. Well, we all saw his stellar game on Sunday against the Panthers. He made them look very ordinary. Cutting him was the best thing that could have happened to New South Wales.
Dynamite winger Akuila Uate was dropped from the Blues side thanks to his woeful defensive efforts in the opening two Origin games. He has been replaced by Brett Morris, a fine player who has been in great form for the Dragons and deserves his spot in the team. He has played Origin before and that is a massive bonus here.
Ok, so where will the game be won? I think it will come down to the six and seven of both teams. Pearce and Carney were simply horrible in game one. The kicking game was off, Carney made far too many errors and they just lacked attack when in striking distance. It was a whole different story in Sydney. Pearce was on fire with his passing game, Carney took the line and came up with two try assists out of three New South Wales tries. Pearce has been involved in several deciders, Carney has experienced nothing like he’ll face on Wednesday night. For me, in order for the Blues to win, Pearce has to stand up. He needs to have a blinder and get his team home. If he doesn’t, then he has to be dropped for next year and give someone else a crack.
Queensland…For me, they have played nowhere near their best so far in 2012. They had no right to win in Melbourne because the second half was all New South Wales. They had all the ball, the territory…They should have won. But the Queensland “Never say die” attitude came to the fore and they held on for a gritty 18-10 win. However in Sydney, it was a different story. It was the worst performance from Queensland since this dynasty started. Thurston was shocking. When he is off, his team can’t produce. Cronk was very good. His kick placement was first class and kept the Maroons in the hunt but it wasn’t enough to win as they lost 16-12.
Final prediction? Queensland for me. 53,000 Queenslanders at Lang Park in a decider, Petero’s farewell Origin game, playing for Arthur Beetson…There is alot to play for, for them. As is the case with the Blues. 12 months ago they thought they could win, but after 20 minutes, those hopes quickly evaporated. If ever New South Wales was to win a series, this is their chance. If they can’t win here, they won’t win for another 5-10 years. Queensland by 1-12, Greg Inglis gets Man of the match.
