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One rivalry ends as another begins

The old brigade will be keen to go out with a bang. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Roar Rookie
7th July, 2015
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It’s a special night tonight for an Aussie sports fan and one that only comes around very rarely. As one sporting chapter closes in State of Origin, the next begins as Australia commence their quest for Ashes glory in England.

Throw in some Tour de France and Wimbledon and it makes for the perfect mix. Employers hate coming into this time of year.

It’s Brisbane’s turn to play host to this year’s State of Origin juggernaut and the catch cry that seems to roll around every year of ‘biggest Origin ever’ has been mentioned many times in the lead-up. But somehow it may ring true this time around.

More 2015 State of Origin:
» State of Origin news
» State of Origin fixtures
» State of Origin teams
» State of Origin 2015: Game 3 preview
» Why NSW will win Game 3
» Why the Maroons will win Game 3

Channel Nine have tried to build the match up even further by airing the much talked about interview with Alex McKinnon. How it will have affected Cameron Smith remains to be seen, however one would assume a player of his experience will be somewhat unperturbed by McKinnon’s comments and be able to use them as motivation.

Queensland Rugby League have made the most of the eagerness to attend the packed-out event by releasing 500 standing room only tickets which have also sold out. It promises to be an electric atmosphere at Queensland’s spiritual home of rugby league, which no doubt will be covered by Phil Gould in one of his passionate pre-game rambles.

Swap the $180 rugby league jerseys for a light jacket and match radio and you’ll find yourself at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff as it plays host to the first Test. The appetite for victory will be evident right from the toss as both teams try to get off to a winning start in what promises to be a gruelling series.

In one of many parallels to the final State of Origin match, the build-up to the first Test has been drawn out with many past and present players putting their two cents worth in.

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The withdrawal and retirement of Ryan Harris is a massive blow to Australia’s chances as he shaped to be a vital cog in their pace battery had he continued his brilliant Test match form. What it will do is give one of the young pacemen a chance to stand up and be counted, as Mitchell Johnson can’t be expected to back up his man of the series performance of 2013-2014.

It remains to be seen whether Kevin Pietersen plays a part in the series, and one would assume if Johnson and co. continue to dominate their batting counterparts Pietersen must be considered. Still in great form as illustrated by his 355* playing for Surrey six weeks ago, it would be hard for Andrew Strauss to leave out the man he seems intent on making sure never plays international cricket for England again.

Now it’s time for the verbal warfare, the media beat-ups, the fake antagonism and hypotheticals to abate as we prepare for the start and end of two of the greatest rivalries Australians can enjoy.

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