Betfair's Rugby League Informer, Matt Adamson, believes speed and execution can keep the Blues in the series.

This week's 'big wet' in Sydney shouldn't deter Ricky Stuart's Blues from adopting an up-tempo strategy against Queensland. It is their only chance to stay alive in the State Of Origin series. The thought of the shield heading north for the seventh year in a row is enough to make any New South Wales supporter sick.

The Blues enjoyed some attacking success in Game One by aiming their speed men at the big Maroons forwards, and the damp conditions that will greet the sides at Homebush lend themselves to a repeat of these tactics.

Dummy-half running will take on extra importance. Michael Jennings, Jarryd Hayne and Aku Uate are among the best dummy-half runners in rugby league, and coach Ricky Stuart must surely be urging that trio to run at the Queensland forwards with regularity.

Aside from the danger posed by their footwork at the line, the Maroons will quickly tire if they're forced to hustle in defense. If the Blues can generate some momentum on the back of these dummy-half scampers, they can lay the platform to spread the ball at pace.

Here, Robbie Farah is the key man. He needs to ensure he picks the right time to hit the edges where the likes of Watmough, Bird, Lewis and Glenn Stewart can go to work. Additionally, Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney have to be aware of the right time to engage the speedy Blues backline, and when they do, their passing needs to be precise.

If all of the above comes together, New South Wales can build an attacking avalanche and put the Queenslanders under immense pressure.

It then comes down to execution, something that let the Blues down in Game One.

History suggests that you generally receive two to three genuine try scoring opportunities in an Origin contest and if NSW are to win they have to take all of them. Refereeing decisions aside, the Blues had a number of chances to score at Etihad Stadium, but a lack of polish meant they couldn't capitalise.

The absence of Sam Thaiday for Queensland is a significant disadvantage for the reigning champions, so much so that Betfair punters installed the Blues as favourites immediately after news of his injury was made public.

Thaiday's damaging runs are the most talked about element of his game, but his mobility in defence shouldn't be underestimated. David Taylor will start the match for Thaiday, which adds some unpredictability to Queensland's attack but may aid New South Wales' attacking game plan. Taylor is a renowned big hitter but can sometimes struggle in lateral defence. Expect to see the Blues aim their attack at Taylor's right and left shoulder.

Without disrespecting a giant of the modern game, Petero Civinoceva battled to keep up in Game One and I am somewhat surprised that selectors have retained him. I know Queensland likes to stick solid but big Petero really battled to my eye.

No doubt Ricky Stuart would have observed the same, and the directive will be clear - run at Petero at every opportunity. I can see the Blues speed troubling the veteran and don't be surprised to see one of the speed merchants get past him early in the match.

The final focus area for the Blues may just be the most important. Their kicking game has to be perfect. It was as bad as I have seen from a NSW side in Game One and Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney must do better.

Wet weather football is best played down the opposition's end. The Blues should seek to turn the Maroons defenders regularly and apply territorial pressure. If Pearce and Carney keep kicking to Billy Slater on the full they will get burned.

Pearce said before Game One that, unless he performs, this series could be his last crack at State of Origin football. Never before have the Blues needed their halfback to fire as much as they do now. Pearce has to aim up or he will never wear the treasured NSW jumper again.

So, the all important question: can NSW win?

Yes they can, but they must execute all of the above perfectly, while also defending like the series depends on it.

After all, it does.

Tip
NSW by 2.

Man of the match
Robbie Farah

First try scorer
Paul Gallen