New South Wales have taken the 2012 State of Origin Series to a decider after grinding out a hard-fought 16-12 victory at the ANZ Stadium.
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The Blues dominated the opening 40 minutes in State of Origin Game 2 - but they found themselves trailing as they went into the sheds as the Maroons once again showed their never say die spirit.
Queensland forward Dave Taylor looked like he had bombed a certain try as he attempted to pick the ball up over the line instead of just diving on it - but television replays showed that NSW full back Brett Stewart had already grounded the ball to concede a drop out.
It was New South Wales who eventually took the lead first on 25 minutes when Brett Stewart found himself on the end of a slick passing move to crash over near the corner, Todd Carney was unable to add the extras as they led 4-0.
It looked like the Blues would lead at the break until the Maroons came up with a magic play before the hooter. Cooper Cronk’s high bomb was fumbled by Akuila Uate and the ball was then passed out for Ben Hannant to steam over by the side of the posts. Jonathan Thurston’s conversion made sure Queensland led 6-4 at the break.
The Blues got off to a dream start in the second half as they found themselves 16-6 to the good inside the opening 10 minutes.
Queensland were reduced to 12 men at the start of the half after he was penalised for a professional foul as he pulled Carney back as he tried to score a try - the video referee ruled a penalty instead of a penalty try because it was uncertain that Carney would have actually scored.
Carney then opted to take the two to level it up at 6-6. From the restart the Blues hit the front again as Brett Stewart broke away for his second try of the nigh, the conversion then made it 12-6.
In the 49th minute the Blues extended their advantage as Jarryd Hayne made a break and it looked like he had dropped the ball but replays showed he put boot to ball and Josh Morris was able to collect and race away to score. Carney was off target as the Blues led 16-6.
Greg Inglis gave the Maroons a bit of hope in the 62nd minute as he crossed for his 14th State of Origin try, Thurston added the extras as they now trailed 16-12.
Uate thought he had made amends for his earlier error as he raced away for what he thought was the winning try, but he had knocked on in the build-up so the try was chalked off.
Queensland continued to pile on the pressure, but the Blues manned up in defence and in the end picked up a deserved win to take the State of Origin Series to a decider in Brisbane.
