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NSW level series in Perth as debutant gambles pay off for Fittler

(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

NSW debutant Matt Burton proved the perfect foil for Nathan Cleary, easing the pressure on the halfback’s kicking game as the Blues squared the series with a 44-12 win over Queensland.

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In Origin I, Cleary was hounded every time he put boot to ball in Sydney because he was more or less the Blues’ sole kicking outlet.

The Maroons’ defensive pressure knocked him off his game that night but he responded perfectly in Origin II in Perth with former Penrith teammate Burton by his side at Optus Stadium.

The introduction of the Canterbury five-eighth at centre placed doubt in the minds of the Queensland defence and afforded Cleary more space to get his kicks away.

Burton was on debut for the Blues but looked every bit a regular at this level as he scored NSW’s opening try and his six towering torpedo kicks troubled the Maroons each time they were hoisted into the sky.

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How NSW coach Brad Fittler changes his side with Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell potentially available for Origin III will be fascinating.

The Blues trained all week for a scenario where Burton would come in from the centre and assume kicking duties from five-eighth Jarome Luai and Cleary.

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By the end of the game NSW had the upper hand in possession (59 per cent) and field position (71 per cent), with Cleary still dominating the share of the Blues’ kicking (15/24 kicks).

Cleary’s best of the night was a deft chip behind Queensland winger Selwyn Cobbo which forced a goal-line dropout in the second half.

On the following set, Luai was able to score as the pressure eventually told on the Maroons.

Cleary then scored two of his own with Burton chiming in with his spiralling bombs to place doubt in the mind of the Maroons’ back three.

Queensland wingers Murray Taulagi (94 metres) and Cobbo (60m) both had difficulty getting the Maroons out of their own end because of the efforts of Burton and Cleary.

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That meant the Maroons were always coming off the back foot and Patrick Carrigan was the only Queensland forward to clock up more than 100m with the ball in hand.

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R
RedWarrior 40 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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