Would've been interesting to see how much the dynamic of that game would've changed in Munster stayed on the field. I'm not convinced Qld would've won, but could they have kept the scoreline more respectable?
Awesome to see Cleary finally deliver- and how! I mentioned to the mates I watched the game with that even Darren Lockyer was slated for delivering sub-par Origin performances into his late 20's before he turned things around, so hopefully last nights' masterclass gives Nathan the confidence he needs to bottle his performance and unleash it again next week. Cody was awesome too, so good to see deadly 4-pronged attacking raids featuring himself, Fox, Cook and Teddy. It seemed like every time they got the ball and went themselves they ate up the metres or scored. Gutho also deserves a mention- much improved from Game 1 and unlucky not to score a try at least once.
Best of all is they could do this not just up the middle of the field but on the flanks as well (although why they persisted trying to attack the left flank unsuccessfully 3 times in a row didn't make sense. Why try that when attacking on the right via Fox was coming up with the gold for them?) I can see this being a real challenge for Bennett heading into the decider because even if Qld get numbers defending one of those lanes, there's agile players on the other, lesser-marked sides who can scoot the ball up instead and get within scoring range.
Qld are going to have the home crowd advantage and (most likely) the 50/50's in their favour next week and I'd expect them to aim up with pride on the line. But if NSW can maintain their composure and rely on the skill of their backs I give them a real shot at wrapping up the series.
