Described as one of the greatest victories in the history of State of Origin, the 100th game delivered some of the best defence that you’ll ever see.
The job is only half completed for New South Wales, who must now back it up on their home turf on June 18 at ANZ Stadium against this mighty Queensland side.
So the Blues must enjoy this victory, but certainly can’t get ahead of themselves.
Here are the top five tackles in 2014 State of Origin Game 1 that won New South Wales the game.
5. Ben Te’o tackled by Michael Jennings, Jarryd Hayne and Adam Woods – 73rd minute
Trailing 12-8, the Maroons were throwing everything at the Blues, and in the 73rd minute Ben Te’o busted through the line 10 metres out. Michael Jennings pulled him down with Jarryd Hayne and Aaron Woods covering Te’o to stop him from rolling over the line.
This tackle, with six-and-a-half minutes remaining when NSW were on the ropes, went rather unnoticed, although remains a try saver that helped the Blues win the game.
4. Aidan Guerra tackled by Josh Reynolds, Josh Morris and Tony Williams – 50th minute
With the Blues struggling and Queensland making easy metres up to the line, a try was begging to occur. Debutant Aidan Guerra was given the ball 10 metres out from the line with a huge hole in front of him.
He looked unstoppable until a fantastic tackle by the Bulldogs trio of Josh Reynolds, Josh Morris and Tony Williams saved a certain try.
Given Guerra’s unorthodox running ability that has made him so dangerous for the Roosters, this try saver was fantastic. If Guerra managed to score the try, the Queenslander’s momentum would have been close to impossible to stop given there was half an hour to go.
3. Greg Inglis tackled by Josh Morris – 67th minute
Josh Morris had just gone down with a posterior cruciate ligament injury that will rule him out for up to eight weeks. Then, Greg Inglis was given the ball in a three-on-one situation before Morris had gotten up, and sensationally sprinted back and tackled Inglis before he made a dent in the defensive line.
This moment typifies the courage and the sacrifice that Origin brings out in players. It’s what makes this game such an unbelievable spectacle. Josh Morris’ effort will be forever recognised as one of the biggest moments in the game.
2. Darius Boyd tackled by Brett Morris – 73rd minute
Queensland’s pet play of setting up Darius Boyd unmarked for the corner was set to bring an end to New South Wales’ chances. Two tries already conceded on that play had Blues fans with their eyes covered, unable to watch what would happen next after the ball shifted out towards Darius.
Then Brett Morris pulled off a magnificent tackle to take Boyd into touch and save the day. The ability for Morris to move his body under the ball and hold him up the way he did, is extraordinarily difficult.
With just under six minutes remaining, this tackle took the pressure off NSW and ensured that Queensland would have to try another tactic to get across the line. Along with his brother, Josh Morris, his tackle goes down as one of the biggest moments of the game.
1. Billy Slater tackled by Beau Scott, Jarryd Hayne and the rest of NSW – 80th minute
The siren had sounded. One play. One shot. One try. That’s all that stood in the way for Queensland. New South Wales just had to hold them out for one tackle.
The ball then shifted out to Slater, who split the defence with a dummy and held Blues’ fans breath. Until a great covering tackle by Beau Scott, with Jarryd Hayne coming in to help, won the game for NSW.
The moment was then enjoyed by the rest of the Blues team who jumped on top of Slater to make sure the tackle was completed and the game was over. Finally letting the fans and the players enjoy the victory that they deserved.
Beau Scott’s effort to get across and tackle Slater was brilliant, if he hadn’t been there to stop Billy, he would’ve been one-on-one with Hayne, which could’ve gone either way. Although, with the momentum Slater had, you’d think he may’ve gotten over the line. Thankfully for Blues fans, we don’t need to worry about what could’ve been, thanks to Beau Scott.
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