Team v Hud

[morley pie eater]

I don't agree that we have no 'plan B', it's just hard to implement 'plan anything' when established players are dropping the ball early in the tackle count under little pressure, or at any point before the end of the set preventing us from getting in the positions we need to mount an attack.

While halfback combinations aren't really as important as halves combining with the players on their side of the pitch I do think we can be too rigid in structure and don't seem to get Smith moving across to the right edge where he's already proven, albeit from very few opportunities, that he can create opportunities for us.

I thought the biggest difference between the first and second half was just keeping hold of the ball and not making those errors. Huddersfield did struggle to keep us under the same pressure but we also didn't panic as much with ball in hand and played a much more composed game.

We've still got a problem with the right edge defence, but it's a tough one to fix. Hampshire was better defensively than Farrimond, but still isn't a good defender and Huddersfield were able to catch out Nsemba and Hampshire when they got the opportunity. The problem is if you start putting new players into those positions you're throwing unfamiliarity into the mix and that can cause just as many issues if players aren't familiar with how those around them like to defend.

One thing is for sure, Leigh's left edge is far, far more dangerous than that of Huddersfield, Hull or Saints and we've seen what happens when we come up against a strong team. It's a big concern that Leigh's biggest strength is coming up against our biggest weakness. There's also the squad management aspect. Can we really expect Luke Thompson to play another 60-80 minute game on Tuesday, and then again on Saturday?

I think, whether it gives us a better chance of winning or not, we need to see extended game time over the next couple of games for the likes of Walters, Byrne, Hill, Eseh Jr and maybe Cooper if he's able. It's not like things get easier after this period with a derby at Magic Weekend to follow.

The biggest positive though is we've got the win. By the end of this weekend there will either be a 2 point buffer between us and 3rd place, or we'll be a point ahead of 2nd and 3rd, with a game in hand. How we approach the Leigh and Leeds games could be interesting.

Excellent as always.

I think (maybe wishful thinking) that we turned a corner in the second half in terms of attitude or psychology, and, if true, we'll take a more positive mind-set into the Leigh game.

My MoM would be Marshall - needs to spread his commitment and attitude to the rest of the team.

I understand us fans analysing the game and identifying errors and weaknesses, but some positivity from the terraces might help the club and staff too.

[Southern Softy]

I was always a bit 'iffy' about the value of confidence to a team but judging by the complete turn-around in form after Joe Wardle's try, maybe it's a true reflection of the game. You'd be hard-pressed to see the two halves of the game and recognise the same team.
A big congratulation to MP for his use of replacements. Get as much as you can from Field (much more controlled in his outing) and Leeming (still not wholly convinced about him) and then get Eckersley on for Filed (big success) and move Farrell to hooker (very good) and bring Walters on (looked pretty good).
Now let's get a bit of that confidence to Harry Smith and accept that Hampshire, although not Wigan-class, can have a role to play for as short a time as possible.
Thought Nsemba had a monster of a game (appreciate his defence still needs work) but a lot of positives from the second half to build on.
One of the most inadequate reffing displays ever from Moore and a lot of cynicism from Huddersfield. That Chris Hill must be made of glass to have a HIA for a thumb in the eye.
Highlight of the match just had to be Connor throwing himself to the ground to try and con a penalty and thus be out of the game when Joe Wardle did his 95 metre lungbusting try. Quality and professionalism Jake!

[the pieman]

strange game of 2 halves, but i reckon it could have been very different from minute 1. Marshy ankle tapped, if he'd have gone on to score or pass inside i think we would have taken loads of confidence from that, and won comfortably. however, he didnt and the rest of the 1st half was a dire / turgid game of rugby to watch. very slow potb, and way too many unforced handling errors

2nd half, far better and the confidence from Wardles try was noticeable (hence my reference to the 1st minute above).

IMO Thompson would have been motm as he was the only forward really making any sort of dent in the Hudds line in the 1st half consistently

in reference to other posters calling out plan A / B. Hudds did some homework, and either the centre or 2nd row on either side of their defence was out of the line very quickly (going to give them the benefit of doubt, as they were up offside most of the game) and cut out the Wigan ball player, whether that was Smith or Hampshire. We need to learn to play against that play, or everyone is going to start trying it. I know we can use the cut out pass (but 2 interceptions last week show the risks), so a little chip in behind, or an alternative runner / angle must be an option to negate where they are trying to close down our play going wide?

[widdenoldboy]

strange game of 2 halves, but i reckon it could have been very different from minute 1. Marshy ankle tapped, if he'd have gone on to score or pass inside i think we would have taken loads of confidence from that, and won comfortably. however, he didnt and the rest of the 1st half was a dire / turgid game of rugby to watch. very slow potb, and way too many unforced handling errors

2nd half, far better and the confidence from Wardles try was noticeable (hence my reference to the 1st minute above).

IMO Thompson would have been motm as he was the only forward really making any sort of dent in the Hudds line in the 1st half consistently

in reference to other posters calling out plan A / B. Hudds did some homework, and either the centre or 2nd row on either side of their defence was out of the line very quickly (going to give them the benefit of doubt, as they were up offside most of the game) and cut out the Wigan ball player, whether that was Smith or Hampshire. We need to learn to play against that play, or everyone is going to start trying it. I know we can use the cut out pass (but 2 interceptions last week show the risks), so a little chip in behind, or an alternative runner / angle must be an option to negate where they are trying to close down our play going wide?

Good spot, Hudds did this to some of our forwards as well so having an play to run in this situation would put doubt into the defence.

[Wintergreen]

strange game of 2 halves, but i reckon it could have been very different from minute 1. Marshy ankle tapped, if he'd have gone on to score or pass inside i think we would have taken loads of confidence from that, and won comfortably. however, he didnt and the rest of the 1st half was a dire / turgid game of rugby to watch. very slow potb, and way too many unforced handling errors

2nd half, far better and the confidence from Wardles try was noticeable (hence my reference to the 1st minute above).

IMO Thompson would have been motm as he was the only forward really making any sort of dent in the Hudds line in the 1st half consistently

in reference to other posters calling out plan A / B. Hudds did some homework, and either the centre or 2nd row on either side of their defence was out of the line very quickly (going to give them the benefit of doubt, as they were up offside most of the game) and cut out the Wigan ball player, whether that was Smith or Hampshire. We need to learn to play against that play, or everyone is going to start trying it. I know we can use the cut out pass (but 2 interceptions last week show the risks), so a little chip in behind, or an alternative runner / angle must be an option to negate where they are trying to close down our play going wide?

Exactly. I am sure MP was able to indentify that from his lofty viewing position. However, instead of responding to it e.g. chip over the top, players coming through on the angle etc, we did exactly the same as we always do............and got shut down.

If people are getting fixated on the term "Plan B" then maybe it should be replaced with "adjusting to the situation in front of you".

Either way it's the same point that is being made.

[Charriots Offiah]

strange game of 2 halves, but i reckon it could have been very different from minute 1. Marshy ankle tapped, if he'd have gone on to score or pass inside i think we would have taken loads of confidence from that, and won comfortably. however, he didnt and the rest of the 1st half was a dire / turgid game of rugby to watch. very slow potb, and way too many unforced handling errors

2nd half, far better and the confidence from Wardles try was noticeable (hence my reference to the 1st minute above).

IMO Thompson would have been motm as he was the only forward really making any sort of dent in the Hudds line in the 1st half consistently

in reference to other posters calling out plan A / B. Hudds did some homework, and either the centre or 2nd row on either side of their defence was out of the line very quickly (going to give them the benefit of doubt, as they were up offside most of the game) and cut out the Wigan ball player, whether that was Smith or Hampshire. We need to learn to play against that play, or everyone is going to start trying it. I know we can use the cut out pass (but 2 interceptions last week show the risks), so a little chip in behind, or an alternative runner / angle must be an option to negate where they are trying to close down our play going wide?

I would add that we need to adapt that type of play. We have a condensed defence and therefore our outside defenders need to get up quicker and stop the ball being spread. Secondly, we need to slow the ptb down, especially in our own half. Referees seem reluctant to award repeat sets and, even if they do, it allows the defensive line to get set making a possible breach less more likely. Get back to the Waney arm wrestle and things will improve dramatically.

[Flash]

strange game of 2 halves, but i reckon it could have been very different from minute 1. Marshy ankle tapped, if he'd have gone on to score or pass inside i think we would have taken loads of confidence from that, and won comfortably. however, he didnt and the rest of the 1st half was a dire / turgid game of rugby to watch. very slow potb, and way too many unforced handling errors

2nd half, far better and the confidence from Wardles try was noticeable (hence my reference to the 1st minute above).

IMO Thompson would have been motm as he was the only forward really making any sort of dent in the Hudds line in the 1st half consistently

in reference to other posters calling out plan A / B. Hudds did some homework, and either the centre or 2nd row on either side of their defence was out of the line very quickly (going to give them the benefit of doubt, as they were up offside most of the game) and cut out the Wigan ball player, whether that was Smith or Hampshire. We need to learn to play against that play, or everyone is going to start trying it. I know we can use the cut out pass (but 2 interceptions last week show the risks), so a little chip in behind, or an alternative runner / angle must be an option to negate where they are trying to close down our play going wide?

Exactly. I am sure MP was able to indentify that from his lofty viewing position. However, instead of responding to it e.g. chip over the top, players coming through on the angle etc, we did exactly the same as we always do............and got shut down.

If people are getting fixated on the term "Plan B" then maybe it should be replaced with "adjusting to the situation in front of you".

Either way it's the same point that is being made.

You mean like the midfield kick over the top for the Hampshire try or the kick behind the defensive line from the scrum?

It's not the terminology that's the problem, Wintergreen, but the fact that you're completely ignoring anything that doesn't fit your narrative in order to "prove" your point.

I'd even argue that the 'plan A' of Jai Field doing something extraordinary is "adjusting to the situation in front of you" .

You can't point to a single issue and extrapolate it into a wider issue whilst simultaneously ignoring the multiple examples that prove your point wrong. That's disingenuous.

We didn't chip over the top in midfield (something that, at best, is only very rarely done by any team anyway). That doesn't equate to having no plan B, or however you choose to phrase it. Not unless plan A now incorporates the many things that aren't French or Field doing something extraordinary or Smith kicking to the corner. That would make plan A a pretty comprehensive playbook.

[fozzie58]

It was a painful game to watch 2 teams both until Wigan clicked seemingly short of confidence but then as I say Wigan got going and blew Huddersfield away,they are shocking they really are but who cares Wigan squad isn’t as good as last season the loss of Smithers and KPP haven’t really been addressed of the new players only Thompson week in week out looks what he is utter class.

I’ve made no secret of my views on Hampshire but if that’s the best Wigan can do then maybe a rethink is in order he isn’t the answer,I hear people say he covers lots of positions well yes maybe he does but to me he covers those positions poorly the club need to move him on.

Willie Isa very clear whatever he brings hasn’t been replaced his influence may?just maybe is greater than we fans think? One to ponder I think.

Miski worth a four year deal? I’m not so sure when you look at Marshall marauding round the pitch is a thing of joy to watch Miski well he there maybe he’s not as showy I don’t know like I say I’m not convinced.

Leigh will be a big test are Wigan up to it? Yes I think so but it won’t be an easy ride.

[BriH]

Harry Smith is having a dip in self confidence largely brought about by the absence of Bevan French.
All the different replacement players is unsettling, and I think Harry seems to think he has to do everything himself. The more pressure he puts on himself the more mistakes he makes and we end up with a self-sustaining loop.
This is where MP and Tommy L come in.
Of course, maybe Harry has other issues we don't know about and again this is for MP in particular to sort out.
A touch of the Wayne Bennett perhaps?
I think, from memory, this has happened before, and he recovered to be the good player he is.

[Wigan_forever1985]

Personally i see Harry Smiths dip more a symptom of Wigan's dip

I think Smith is a very good player and has a great rugby brain, his 1 limiting factor is his physical abilities. I think this means if our pack arent creating him enough space he suffers. This is true of most half backs but if you lack that half a yard of pace its harder - field and french can get themselves out of a situation when the play isn't on or they've been closed down using their physical abilities.

Saw the same on Hampshire side apart from him being poor he lacked the pace or agility to change the play once the first option was shut down.

This is why we worked well with Smith and French because in the times we weren't on top French can still make something happen, and when Smith has got the space he's kicking and general play are excellent

I think the team and Peet have more than enough credit to ride this dip out but the bigger concern for me was the lack of zip in the players but they've had an intense season and to be fair id rather this dip now and back up to standard by the playoffs.

The superleague season is a Peloton not a race and i trust Peet and he boys will be ready for the sprint finish