TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE head coach Sylvain Houles said his team must start games better after their 30-16 home defeat to St Helens.
The French outfit were 28-0 down at half-time, ensuring a third straight loss after starting the Super League season with two wins.
“St Helens are a really good side but we made them even better thanks to our poor play in the first half,” said Houles.
“Players like (Tristan) Sailor will punish you and the first half we gave them too many chances to score and they took full advantage.
“It’s disappointing because we could have competed better. That’s two games now, today and the last game here against Wigan, where we started so badly which gave them a big advantage.
“So we need to start better and keep our concentration because we have proved we can compete later in the games with our fitness.
“It’s always difficult when you are constantly playing catch-up so we need to improve.
“Super League is hard physically so keeping players fit is important. There are only five rounds gone so we need to see where we are around June to see how the squad are affected.
“When you look at Saints’ starting team today you see just how strong their squad really is, they are a good side.
“Super League is long and demanding, both physically and mentally, so you need to be prepared all the time.”