Our line defence is weak, a constant theme this year.

Our defence is probably one of the best in the league, however when put under considerable pressure on our own line we crumble far too easily.

No matter how good you are you will face considerable pressure in any game against Leeds, Saints, Warrington. I just hope Dobson's kicking game is off par next week.

I think that is true if I understand you correctly. It's OK giving a younger player the nod during the season if he trains the house down all week to reward him and make sure the senior pros don't get complacent as they did IMO under Noble but players like Tuson and even Farrell are very inexperienced to be playing in play off or cup games. In fact didn't Maquire simply not bring Tuscon on when we played Leeds in the cup?

As to not picking Feka I think that was down to injury.

Dave

Sensible opinion. It was great rugby league entertainment which had everything, high skills, mistakes, and last minute drama. All the players from both sides are to be congratulated with Leeds showing courage and mental toughness to overcome their injuries and going 14 points down to a rampant Wigan start.

I'm not blaminmg the likes of Tucson or Farrell in any way. I fact I have every confidence in Farrell and he seems pretty unflappable in any game he plays. Contrast that to a certain second rower who had a nightmare last night and probably cost us a place in the grand final last year with his decision making in the final minute at Knowsley Road. Tommy Leualaui is another player who can't claim to be inepxerienced but continually fails to step up in big games. (World cup final excluded, but that hardly did Wigan much good did it?)
At times last night we looked like startled rabbits and need to learn quick. Two years ago I would say we were an inexperienced team but I don't think we can say that any more. the question is how do we ensure the team approaches these games with a 'business as usual' approach in the same way saints and Leeds seem to manage?

As an outsider looking in (Warrington Fan) what I dont understand is why when Deacon went off MM didnt put S Tomkins back in the halves, put Richards at full back and move O'Loughlin or McCorlorum to centre, would have given you more options in the halves because you lost your kicking game when Deacon dissapeared.

Great game though.

Listened to the game on 5 live extra...texting fellow fans with the scores. Was gutted at the result but the fact is that we are just 1 drop goal behind the reigning champs....had Pat not missed with the boot it would be a different storey today. We can still do this! We can and will beat KR.....and we can beat Leeds.Let's face it...the scousers won't choose us incase we beat them at theirs again.

ps....I do blame the result on my performance in the sack last night with my girlfriend!

I said the same at the time, but would have put JT in the centres.

^ at the risk of sounding like a broken record a few of us are astonished that he did not do something like that.

I think saints will pick wigan in the clubcall if they get through their next game.After watching last nights game i thought leeds matched you in the forwards and that was with only 2 recognised props ,and one of them going off early.If saints can get to grips with wigans tackling,niggling and holding down in the tackle they will make massive inroads with their superiority in the forwards.Graham ,cunningham,puletua,soliola,and fas if fit.

If Wire and Wigan win through, I'd also pick Wigan - no question.

McManus/Potter won't though, they'd go Wire.

I like the spin some people are putting on it here.

''lost by 1 point against reigning champs''

Yet in the lead up to the game it was about how leeds are poor and that you should win easily. funny how opinions change to suit the situation.

You should bounce back against hull kr.

saints will pick wire.

your away game form will tell at headingley.

saints wigan final

saints win

We have a home tie no matter what, thats the main benefit from finished 1st.

Not in the final week you don't, Saints and Leeds will be at home.

I'm thankful we won't be at home to be honest. We just need to get past KR first, which ain't going to be easy.

Your form has certainly been sketchy there and incredibly good away, so I can see your point.

KR will be a tough game for sure, but I don't for a second think Wigan will lose.

Saints, much like Wigan, didnt want the clubcall decision.

But im convinced they will pick the lowest qualifying team, as thats the safest way to not upset a team, and also means they will likely get Wire, who will collaspe as normal and Saints will make the GF, which they are favourites for IMO.

You've had your home tie from finishing first. It's ours now.

Your last home game this year is on Friday night.

Given our recent track record at home that's not a bad result.

In my view Wigan are the Champions of the league and as such should have had a direct passage to the semi final.

Wigan fans should not have to be viewing things in the cold light of day. You should be in the semi final automatic awaiting the winners of this weekends game.

This present system does not correctly reward a 27 game season.

hold the front page

"WIRE FAN IN NON-TROLLING POST SHOCKER" - or did you mean to post this on the Rhinos forum???

I don't troll , trolling is for pubescent teenagers.

(However I must admit if we would have won last Friday, I would have had a damn good try at getting banned from the Saints Board)

But Saints forums apart I don't troll.

feka injured his knee thats why he didnt play.

Unfortunately we all agree to this system before the season starts.

Anybody else heard rumours that they are changing the playoffs for next season? Or is somebody just talking poop?

And suffered against Saints at home when our Winger (Pryce) went off injured and Carmont shifted to wing etc.

Sure we kept our half pairing.

Still lost, missed opportunities + conceded on the wing with the makeshift winger. still had people questioning the coach.

It's not so easy an answer as a few would have you believe. It's not easy this coaching lark, rather than the armchair/hindsight/no idea if it would make a difference mob.