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A dominant Queensland lead New South Wales 6-2 in State of Origin Game 3 despite another strong defensive performance from the Blues.
After the first two contests had produced low-scoring results it was expected that the dead-rubber status of the third would allow a more free-flowing encounter.
Defence, however, again prevailed in the first 40 minutes and New South Wales helped set themselves up for a clean sweep by holding Queensland up over the tryline on four separate occasions before the Maroons struck late on.
Both sides looked prepared to throw the ball around in the early exchanges and it took just six minutes for Queensland to cross the line via Greg Inglis.
Off the back of a penalty Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston swung the ball wide for Inglis to barge his way over – only for winger James McManus to hold Inglis up over the line.
The penalty was one of three an undisciplined New South Wales conceded in the first ten minutes, and it led to multiple Queensland sets deep inside the Blues’ half.
The Blues were able to reproduce the defence that had provided the series-winning 2-0 lead but Queensland again showed their intent in the 15th minute – twice.
Again the pressure came from Thurston and Inglis, with the centre turning provider only to see New South Wales hold Thurston up this time.
From the ensuing fifth tackle Queensland again went over, and this time Aidan Guerra found the Suncorp Stadium turf for the home side only to be denied by a contentious offside call on Thurston.
Defence is ruling the roost in #Origin 3 so far.
0-all after 21 minutes. pic.twitter.com/yCE7GCxyV6
— NRL (@NRL) July 9, 2014
While it was perhaps reward for the Blues’ defensive efforts it was undoubtedly a let-off, and one they capitalised on through Trent Hodkinson’s penalty goal in the 24th minute.
It was Billy Slater’s turn to be held up on the half-hour mark, and again Queensland were unable to find the line at the back end of the set and saw Thurston limp away to defend.
Incredible last ditch defence from @NSWRL!
#Origin pic.twitter.com/fjLPdhG2cp
— NRL (@NRL) July 9, 2014
Inglis was held up for a second time as half-time approached, this time not even leaving his feet as multiple Blues players swarmed on the centre.
Just as it appeared New South Wales were going to shut Queensland out in the first half Daly Cherry-Evans, who came into the game after 30 minutes, finally broke open the Blues defence with a kick that left skipper Cameron Smith to regather and cross in the 37th minute.
Thurston added the extras, and to take only a four-point lead into half-time is perhaps slightly unjust for a Maroons side that has dominated large parts of the half.
New South Wales have failed to bring the likes of Jarryd Hayne and Josh Dugan into the game, and while their resilience in defence was credible it will take a spark with the ball in hand to turn this contest.
[roargal]
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