The NSW Blues hit back in State of Origin 2011 game two last night, squaring the series at one-all in a complete team performance. After many question marks were raised over the selection of the team, they answered their critics in the best possible fashion.
Anthony Minichello
Absolutely brilliant. His defensive positioning was outstanding (as predicted by yours truly), and his attacking was just as impressive (as not predicted by yours truly).
His fantastic night was punctuated by his closing try, and he should retain the number 1 jersey regardless of Dugan’s fitness.
Rating: 9
Jarryd Hayne
Sometimes you have to actually be at the game to witness the impact a player has. Whilst many fans will mistakenly believe Hayne lacked impact because he didn’t have any eye-catching runs, the truth is he was brilliant.
His communication with Minichello defused a few sticky moments which may not have been evident on TV, and he played like a extra forward with his bruising hit-ups, allowing his forwards a rest.
Rating: 7.5
Mark Gasnier
Was more threatening in attack than game one, and gave his winger some space and opportunities. Still came up with the odd mistake though. However, once again defended closer to the middle of the park to allow Soward to play in the centres, and was excellent in that area.
Rating: 6.5
Will Hopoate
Scored a brilliant athletic try, and looked totally at ease defending in the centres, before he left early due to injury. Shame he’ll be lost to Origin for two years, because he’s not a star of the future, he’s a star of the present.
Rating: 7
Akuila Uate
Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball, and like Hayne, acted like a extra forward with his bustling runs.
Rating: 7
Jamie Soward
Kicking game early was nothing short of atrocious, but he recovered spectacularly. Challenged the line early and often, and it resulted in the defining Minichello try. His defence was also brilliant.
Rating: 8.5
Mitchell Pearce
Like Soward, his kicking early in the game left a little to be desired, but once he settled he was magnificent. His defence was amazing, putting big hits on Queensland’s forwards several times, along with laying on NSW’s first try.
Rating: 8
Greg Bird
Lacked the impact and influence that he did in game one, and also allowed Queensland first try, but was otherwise very solid in all aspects of the game.
Rating: 6.5
Ben Creagh
Kept on running the same lines off his halves, and kept on making unspectacular but crucial meters, along with being solid in defence.
Rating: 6.5
Beau Scott
He was absolutely knackered after ten minutes, and I’m not sure what was more surprising, the fact Queensland didn’t notice, or the fact Ricky Stuart didn’t. Was inspirational, and his defensive combination with Dragon’s teammates Soward and Gasnier kept Queensland’s left side attack in check.
Rating: 7
Paul Gallen (c)
Wow. What a game. Led from the front, and made everyone who mocked his selection at prop look like a complete clown. Without question, the best player on the park.
Rating: 9.5
Michael Ennis
Still frustrates NSW fans with his time bomb-like behaviour. Always tippy toes close to the line, and was at his niggly best, particularly to Sam Thaiday. Needs to watch footage of Cameron Smith’s dummy half play, though he did attack the line more in game two.
Rating: 6
Tim Mannah
Ran hard and strong. Tackled hard and strong. What more do you want from your starting prop?
Rating: 7
Interchange:
Trent Merrin
Struggled for impact once again.
Rating: 4
Kurt Gidley
Outstanding off the bench, and was more effective at dummy-half than frontline hooker Michael Ennis was. Constantly threatening in attack, and showed his versatility by playing in the centres when Hopoate got injured.
Rating: 8
Luke Lewis
Breath-takingly brilliant. Scored a try five seconds after coming on the field, and his night stayed on a high from then onwards. Fantastic in defence, and just what the Blues required off the bench: a spark.
Rating: 9
Anthony Watmough
Constantly broke Queensland’s defensive line with his low-to-the-ground power runs. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: this guy is made for Origin. He was a thorn in Queensland’s side all night long.
Rating: 8
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