They looked like a side who was struggling to stay in the top 8, and after so many games, the table doesnt normally lie. They were rubbish for 90% of the last season, but managed to sneak through to the GF, and then beat us when we suffered injuries. They may be the champions, and World Club Champions, but that just disguises the fact that they are very poor.

What really pleased me about the game tonight was that we put the baby back in the bathwater. None of this stupid anti-Simmons 'never kick for a penalty' or whatever. We used our heads and played proper rugby. Sometimes that means controlling a game by being more conservative and at others it means going for the showy stuff. We were tactical and we worked hard. Once we scored our first try and, in doing so, quelled the anxiety which was clear in our mistakes up to that point, we gained confidence and began to show patience as we gradually took Leeds apart. Crikey, we even remembered to pass the ball to the right in a great attacking position and hey! We scored a fabulous try as a result! (Note to team: do that more often, assuming Tommy is ok to play)

Clearly we still have very definite issues with defence the minute a team pounds towards our line. We have other issues too. But for the first time this season I thought we played a really good game of rugby. Imperfect, yes; but a quality game that reflected a team capable of engaging the brain AND the brawn, and showing some skill too.

We played well, but Leeds arn't Wigan. I personally dont think we played much different from last week, but Leeds defence was pretty poor where Wigans was pretty awesome.

TP obviously adds alot, but not enough for next week i fear

Snap.


Great minds think alike or like, or is that moderator minds think a like.

I agree
Leeds where poor tonight.

Saints attack was clueless at times. Some very poor kicking AGAIN.
Some of the tries Leeds scored was from very poor defence from Saints too.

This perfectionist attitude Wigan have this year will be too much for Saints.

That said

COME ON SAINTS.

TP and Wilkin who had a really good kicking game.

the game changed when TP & LMS came on after 20 mins and we started to get on top after a 5 minute perid of really going toe to toe with Leeds.
Similarly in the 2nd half but a little earlier around 55 mins. It seemd to encourage people like Flanagan who I thought was superb.

The TM injury actually helped us IMO with Sia going to centre as we had another forward on the pitch to dominate them. Long before the end Leeds knew they were our bitches. Hope TM is better for weekend as he was impressive - again.

Still not sure of attack (esp Lance who is still not woth his place - god knows where he should be playing) with no dummy runners or run around options so still think even with this higher level of intensity we will struggle to beat the pies, as we can't expect them to be as poor again.

Lance is not looking like a good signing at all is he.

he is just not a hb, he's Royceys ultimate back on the bench

I thought you played pretty well, I think Leeds have some improvement in them and will come better towards playoff time.

Overall however I think both yourselves and Leeds are currently a long way off Wigan and Wire...........improvement needed or both sides will be lucky to get to the semi final stages.

Josh Perry's kicking game - awesome!

His kick to touch was fantastic.

Good win and thoroughly deserved, Saints pack was far better than the Leeds six. Nice to see any team put one over on Hetherington.

Here's hoping for a good game on Sunday.

Last nights game was a good one to watch, but I can't see anything to say that there's a vast improvement in Leeds, and only a slight one in the Saints. Both sides have got to get alot better if they want to make any headway in the SL table (or Leeds in the cup as well.) but you never know, and the Pies could have a bad one again on sunday, like they did in the CCQF, and maybe this time the Saints could take the advantage.. you never know, or it could be a, HAT TRICK!!!

These are very kind words for Leeds, but here's the reality check.

Leeds were absolutely awful and Saints should learn more from the Wigan defeat than the "no-contest" at Headingley last night. I think Wiggin are a cut above every team at the mo. Don't care how saints fans are interpreting the stats form the Wiggin match - you were hammered. I'm not gloating as I hate the pies but sadly a matter of fact. I just wish we could have given you a game last night.