Certainly if Leeds want to beat Wigan in the cup now is the time to start tuning things up considerably, starting with the defence. If Leeds continue to play shoddily in defence Wire will win easily. If Leeds up the intensity and play hard, it won't matter that much if we lose narrowly IMO.

Defence has got to improve significantly - if not Warrington will have a field day.

One thing is for sure they will build pressure and I expect Leeds to be dropping out quite a few times.

Unless they themselves can build some pressure - with our short kicking game close to the line I fear that will not be the case

I honestly think we can win,of course the Defence will need to improve 100% but with the likes of Beastwood and Ali (hopefully) back our pack look alot tougher proposition than the "soggy kit-kat" effort from the Giants.

Ali's injured again isn't he? Ablett is still not back, and that is a huge huge negative difference to our defence.

Had we had Ablett back and Ali with him I would have felt fairly confident about Friday. Right now, I wouldn't put money on us. The defence is too shambolic to get right that quickly, with current players.

Its simple, all Leeds need to do is complete their sets and get a good kicking game. The attack will take care of itself as its not been in question over the last month or so. But when Leeds are constantly turning over possession that puts heaps of pressure on an already shaky defence. If Leeds continue to give cheap possession then it will be a long night. Complete our sets and attack like we have been doing then we'll be alright.

Spot on.

The only thing I would add is that Leeds really need to add some 'zing' in the tackle. Start punishing our opposition again.

What's Ali's injury?

Said in YEP he had limped off again on Friday and is doubtful for this week. I have to be honest and say I never saw him limping, but then again I was not watching him leave the field either.

Yeah definately. We've not seen that since the WCC when we really did put on 'zing' into the tackles. JJB usually leads the kick chase hopefully he will be really fresh after his week off and add the spark.

Really? Buderus usually leads the kick chase. If that is a given for improving the defence, then it is an argument that Buderus should be on that field as long as possible.

I think the strongest argument for improving the defence would be better tackling.



As for Buderus - he is running ok.

He has been the leader in that department so far this season and im sure he will continue to push the kick chase but JJB is recent seasons has had an awesome kick chase and usually lets the FB/winger know about it. Hopefully with JJB having a rest we can have an awesome kick chase and really take it to the opposition - something we have not really done since the WCC.

So I say again. If Buderus has been the leader in the kick chases this season and it is believed that we need to be on top of our game in this area on Friday, surely Buderus then needs to be on the field for as long as possible?

Id go:

Webb
Smith
Delaney
Senior
Hall
McGuire
Sinfield
Leuluai
Buderus
Peacock
Pitts
Kirke
Jones-Buchanan

Clarkson
Eastwood
Diskin
Burgess

Judging that Lauitiiti, Bailey, Ablett are out

Well yeah he does. I rate Buderus way above Disko and always have done. Buderus should play the full 80, which wouldn't warrant Diskins services even on the bench as its a waste imo. Harsh on Disko but no doubt about it Buderus is the better player and can easily do the full 80.