Quote: Cherry_&_White "Something that we've been really, really good at in the big games in recent years has been our ability to out-last the opposition. Whether that's having the energy to make a late comeback, or the ability to physically exhaust teams like last week against Cas.
Bearing this in mind, I think the first 20 minutes next week is absolutely massive. If we start on the front foot, get them defending and keep errors to an absolute minimum, then I wonder if they'll have the ability to live with us in the final 20 unless they already have a sizeable lead.
The lungs & legs in this team is absolutely phenomenal, and I think they'll win it for us even if our attack isn't at 100%.'"
I was thinking along a reflective line about our chances against Wigan. From our perspective too, the first 20 minutes is massive. We lost that period badly at Wembley and never really recovered, despite the opportunities to grasp the nettle in the final 20 minutes and pinch the game. We were much better in the opening 20 minutes against Saints last Thursday, and against Wigan in the CC. The main objective that we didn't concede a try (even after 40 minutes IIRC). Wire had enough in the final 20 minutes of these games to see it through.
I cannot see the final being a try fest, although you just never can tell in this game, and whichever side gets a lead of six or more points will have a big advantage.
It may well boil down to the fine margins of who's best at making less errors and giving away fewest penalties. Here's to an enjoyable day out!
