Do you blame them for the poor defence? IMO they were left helpless by the line not sliding over. They seemed to have half the pitch to cover between two of them at times

edit - just re-watched the highlights
Try 1 - Defence all sucked in to the right side of the pitch, Sarginson marks the left centre with far too much space either side of him, Burgess marks his winger with acres of space inside of him.
Try 2 - Giving away a penalty on your own goal line is never smart, then Farrell gets wrong-footed for the try
Try 3 - Bowen either slips or is held back getting to the kick, the forwards don't turn round and chase it with much gusto either
Try 4 - Soft defence from McIlorum who gets steamrolled
Try 5 - Quick hands and our defence just doesn't slide across
Try 6 - Slap tackling from Smith

The outwide defence has definitely suffered because of what's going on inside, but the Thornley/Burgess partnership is looking a lot more solid IMO and I wouldn't split that up, especially to move Thornley out on the wing who looks like a complete fish out of water out there.

Edit - just watched SWs press conference on Wigan TV and he pretty much says he's sticking with Sarginson on the wing for Saints then Manfredi will play against Bradford.

A Wigan win

Last try - Bowen (90metres)

Saints by 18-20 points.

They are far better than us atm, but this moment does not matter its how good you are when it matters. Play off or CC games.

Agree with this, but i don't expect as big a win, but a Saints win nonetheless...

Have you watched their last couple of games? Hardly sparkling. I know we've not been crash hot either but Wigan will be as intense in this game as in the big ones you mention.

It might not be enough but I'd be surprised if they win as comfortably as you predict.

No way on this earth will saints win by 18-20 points.

We are due a loss (it's getting closer each week) and Wigan have done well on previous visits to Langtree.

I think it will be very very close.

The Stains board is hilarious.. They have some right giddy kippers posting these days. Odd how you don't see posts of a similar insulting nature about them here... We must be more evolved..

I think we are under pressure.

After a couple of years of underperformance (both in general and in derby games) we as a club want to make a statement about being back. The players need it and, in my opinion, the club needs it as we have seen some disappointing performance since moving into LP.

There's a feel good factor returning to Saints and it's important we don't waste that with another spineless derby disappointment.

From a Saints POV, none of this really matters. We started well, but since we bust a gut against Leeds, we've looked very ropey. We also still have the memories from 2 or 3 seasons littered with dreadful performances in the back of our minds.

Wigan always seem to be very highly charged for the derby. I would back the Saints team from the first week, but I'm not sure if we're still at that level any more. I also think Wigan will see this as a great opportunity to put a real marker down.

So I'm not too confident. I think this new Saints side [ishould[/i come out on top, but sport's not easy.

A lot may hinge on whether Amor is playing. He's been a terrific signing and is the guy to really soak up your early physicality.

I agree with u to a point mate. Leeds over recent years and also Wigan have shown that the league positions mean very little. It's the ability to perform in the big games that counts and as far as this season goes, this is a real chance for Saints to put a marker down and say they are back! You have had a very good start to the season whilst we have spluttered a bit. If we get a win (unlikely I think) then it might really burst saints bubble and be the motivation Wigan need to kick on. We have a good performance waiting to come out and I just hope it's this week!!

thats exactly my point!

you are top of the pile and this is probably your next biggest test so far this season so everyone in the game will be looking at how saints can handle it, against last years double winners, just as they will be looking at wigan to see what impact our personnel losses will really have in arguably our biggest test of the season so far.

due to our uncertain form of late, not many in the game will expect a wigan win against a saints team top of the pile on 100%. hence, pressure on saints to show they are the real deal.... which I don't see them doing!

I'm growing in confidence by day to be honest. we have a good record at your gaff and you have also lost a couple of good players to injury recently, I think it will be close in the forwards, you will edge it in your backs but MS and BG will dictate the play.

excited!

Whilst I don't disagree with much of your post, for some reason I don't see this as a game against last years double winners. Last years double winners had Tomkins/Richards/Hansen/Mossop.

I know that makes no sense (as Wigan WERE last season's double winners) but it doesn't feel that way to me.