Super League 2013

[kinboshi]

Huddersfield weren't bad, Wigan were just very good.  Best some players have played in a Wigan shirt (Green, Flower and Gelling definitely), and great performances throughout the side (especially those three, Charnley, Tomkins, Farrell, Hansen, Smith, Richards and McIllorum).  Only Andy Powell's inclusion was baffling, and he looks like someone who doesn't understand the game - although when he does come to terms with the game, he's an immense unit and could make an excellent rugby league player in time.

The weather played a key part, so I hope it rains constantly until after the Grand Final .  Wane got the tactics spot on, and the players delivered.  Very similar to how Leeds have managed their seasons, the league position doesn't really matter and it only counts what you can do in the play-offs.  Wigan were a very different side to that of the past few months.  Without O'Loughlin I didn't think there would be enough guile or direction in the side, but the forwards did a job on the Huddersfield pack and that let Smith and Green dominate.  Brough and Robinson were largely nullified once the Huddersfield forwards tired. 

I think Leeds and Warrington would far prefer to play Huddersfield than Wigan in the play-offs now.  I honestly didn't think Wigan had that performance in them, but I was hoping they did.  My dad told me that Wigan would improve in the play-offs and he'd backed them to beat Huddersfield.  Two more games, and it's cup rugby so it's up for grabs.  Still fancy Leeds or Warrington, but not writing Wigan off.  Would be surprised if Huddersfield get to the final, and would be less surprised to see St Helens there in truth.

[kinboshi]

[TightEnd]

Thought Huddersfield were horrific, not just bad

Apart from the first twenty minutes they played wet weather rugby like I play the harmonica. Badly, and making terrible noises

Wigan's tactical kicking and nous were far superior and in Charnley they had the best finisher in the game

Huddersfield bored me rigid. They were top? Yikes.

[Acidmouse]

Yeahs Hudds were shite But still don't believe Wigan can beat a in form top 6 team.

[kinboshi]

Thought Huddersfield were horrific, not just bad

Apart from the first twenty minutes they played wet weather rugby like I play the harmonica. Badly, and making terrible noises

Wigan's tactical kicking and nous were far superior and in Charnley they had the best finisher in the game

Huddersfield bored me rigid. They were top? Yikes.

Huddersfield weren't able to play well.  They usually dominate up the middle, but Wigan moved their big units around defensively and tired them out.  Huddersfield don't have a plan B.  They only finished top of the league because other sides (namely Wigan, Leeds, Warrington) haven't put their best sides out in the weekly rounds and were 'happy' to drop points. The ridiculous play-off system means there's very little benefit from finishing first, especially if it means you aren't on form come the play-offs.

What changed after 15 minutes?  It wasn't the weather, as that was constant throughout.  During that opening 15 minutes, the idiot Eddie in the commentary was waxing lyrical about Brough and the Huddersfield pack being superior, etc.  Yet, Wigan managed to nullify their attack, made them force plays in the wrong part of the pitch, and ground them down.  Wigan didn't play their usual game (that is often criticised by Wigan fans) of getting the ball out wide as quickly as possible, and instead mixed things up and like I said the Wigan dominance in the forwards meant that Green and Smith had a field day; whereas Brough and Robinson were largely ineffective for Huddersfield.  They aren't effective when they're forced to play in their own half.  I don't remember Huddersfield getting the ball out to their centres and wingers at all in the game.  That was because Wigan didn't let them.

Like you said, the finished top of the league - and that was pretty much their first choice squad.  You don't become a bad side overnight.  Wigan simply showed that they're a better side, or at least can rise to the occasion and be a better side on the night.  Something Leeds have done very effectively over the years.  It's also why the play-off system needs to be changed to reward the side that is the 'best' over the season, not just for 3 games at the end of the year.

[BulldozerD]

Wigan have quite a few big-game players, Huddersfield have very few - its that simple imo.

[Acidmouse]

ref bottled it, how can you stay on pitch for punching someone from behind when they are walking away..

[Acidmouse]

o m g benefit of doubt try? wtf is happening to our game..

Never ever a try, held up clearly.

[kinboshi]

Top 8 in the play-offs?  What's the point?

[BulldozerD]

lol well played Hull

[kinboshi]

Waste of time.

Looks like it'll be Wigan v Huddersfield next week.  Hope it rains...

[kinboshi]

Tight first half, but Leeds with all the possession.  I'd expect them to come on strong in the second half as saints tire, and the fast backs make the most of the spaces that'll appear.

[Acidmouse]

giving it them. Peacock losing it under our posts on the 1st we cant lose this we the better team.

[Marky147]

Is this Swift bloke playing?

[kinboshi]

Told you it'd be easy for Leeds in the second half.  Never in doubt!