It will be interesting to see how close we are to their intensity and fitness levels tomorrow. I think Saints dominance in recent years has had a lot to do with those two attributes. There were theories that our defenders just “absorbing” tackles was being coached as a passive type of defence. I’m not sure we had comparable physical specimens to compete with some other teams over the last 5 or 6 years to be honest, and maybe defending on the back foot was the best they could do. Likewise, our forwards carrying the ball from 3 or 4 yards behind the passer was maybe an indication of a less fit team than some others who hit a flat/slightly forward pass at speed. There’s no doubt there’s a number of ways combined to win a game, but in our sport the fittest and strongest will always stand a much better chance.

Well I still think 2024 Leeds are a better side than last year, and on that basis alone we should be able to compete.

Looking dry now up until kick off; tomorrow will be chilly again though.

Not confident about this.
I don't see saints being drawn into playing someone else's game two weeks on the bounce. They go back to basics, take metres by going hard and direct, every play and kick chosen by percentages and slow down our ptb. 80 mins of that might see them home by four or five tries to two.

No Ruan, hope he’s not injured.

He must be, earned his spot on the bench.

Coukd Alfie be there as back up for miller or Newman carrying an injury ?

Croft is carrying an injury main reason why Rohan is carrying Edgell on bench, Ruan isn't injured very unfortunate to miss out imo. Would make more sense if Sinfield was on bench if there's a injury cloud over Croft

Croft is carrying an injury main reason why Rohan is carrying Edgell on bench, Ruan isn't injured very unfortunate to miss out imo. Would make more sense if Sinfield was on bench if there's a injury cloud over Croft

Ok so Edgell will cover FB if Miller moves to half in place of Brodie I’d think.

Brave selection that is a very light bench other than Holroyd.

Amount of laying on saints still get away with is frustrating

Wilkin?

Wilkins getting texts from saints players but he's not biased

Great start. Miller is magical. Roberts impressive finish. Sangare a monster. Just need to get him running on at pace….

So after 23 minutes, this is the best we have played in years. Intensity, desire, energy all fantastic.

Lomax is a brilliant defender and saved a couple already…..
Bennison defending well too, covering Hurrell!

Scintillating rugby by Leeds so far.