Sat 28th Sept: SL Eliminator: Warrington Wolves v St Helens KO 17:30 (BBC/Sky)

[Harry Stottle]

On 26/09/2024 at 13:59, Fly-By-TheWire said:

Squads are out.   I think there's only 3 first-choice players missing from that Warrington squad, in Fitzgibbon, Ratchford and Wrench.   I believe Saints are at full-strength too, so no excuses from either side.

Is Ratchford still classed as a 'first choice' if every one else is fit, just asking.

[Dave T]

Personally I'd never put money on us beating Saints ever, and it feels a little like it's setup for Saints to get their revenge following us winning three times this year against them. But in reality, we have been much better than them this year, and this will now be that test of whether we have managed to peak at the right time. 

Couple of great matchups this week though and maybe even better next week!

[bobbruce]

4 hours ago, GeordieSaint said:

 

Well that’s scuppered your plan @bobbruce…

Possibility number 2 a reckless Wire tackle early on leading to a red card. 
 

Disclaimer. I take no responsibility if Knowles or Lees takes someone’s head off and gets a red. 

[MatthewWoody]

My heart says Wire but my mind says Saints. 

[MattSantos]

This'll be my 1st game of the season. 

Fingers crossed. 

[Wilderspoolmemories]

Wire by 10.

[Harry Stottle]

If the game is as good as last night's (sorry devils fans) it will be a cracker, I have no doubt whatsoever that it will be just as physical, but lets just hope that the game keeps 13 players for each team on the field of play, to many games this year have been marred with player's spending time in the bin and subsequently no further action being delivered by the match review panel.

[bobbruce]

Just now, Harry Stottle said:

If the game is as good as last night's (sorry devils fans) it will be a cracker, I have no doubt whatsoever that it will be just as physical, but lets just hope that the game keeps 13 players for each team on the field of play, to many games this year have been marred with player's spending time in the bin and subsequently no further action being delivered by the match review panel.

If you get sent to the bin there shouldn’t be any further action by the review panel. 

[Gerrumonside ref]

Come on Saints!

They’re really up against it today and of course the neutrals are clamouring for a new name on the trophy and a sharing out of the glory which is understandable.

It’s unlikely and would need a good performance by the Saints coupled with a poor one by Warrington.

 

 

[bratman]

Looking forward to another hard fight contest, I'll go with Saints by 1 score.

[OriginalMrC]

Really can't see Warrington losing this but never write off Saints I guess.

[Fly-By-TheWire]

Would appear Burgess is putting Vaughan on the bench, with Yates and Musgrove to start.  Maybe that’s down to match fitness.   Also Philbin to take Crowther’s bench spot, which is a shame for Crowther as he’s been really consistent.

Hoping that Vaughan can provide a bit of game-changing impact when he comes on.   I just get the feeling that Saints will come out with the aim of starting really well, and throwing everything into that first 20 minutes. 

[Ullman]

I understand the nervousness of the Warrington fans but for a complete neutral observing from afar, this looks like a Warrington win all the way.

[ELBOWSEYE]

2 hours ago, Fly-By-TheWire said:

Would appear Burgess is putting Vaughan on the bench, with Yates and Musgrove to start.  Maybe that’s down to match fitness.   Also Philbin to take Crowther’s bench spot, which is a shame for Crowther as he’s been really consistent.

Hoping that Vaughan can provide a bit of game-changing impact when he comes on.   I just get the feeling that Saints will come out with the aim of starting really well, and throwing everything into that first 20 minutes. 

Surely it's Yates and Harrison to start.

[Fly-By-TheWire]

21 minutes ago, ELBOWSEYE said:

Surely it's Yates and Harrison to start.

The team is just out now.   It's confirmed Harrison, Vaughan and Philbin on bench.

[Dave T]

32 minutes ago, Fly-By-TheWire said:

The team is just out now.   It's confirmed Harrison, Vaughan and Philbin on bench.

That's a heavyweight bench

[Dave T]

Wonder if Burgess feels that Saints will just try to grind something out here, stay in the game and hope something comes off. Maybe having such a big rotation means we're looking to be patient but relentless.

If we can step up instead of dropping off in that 2nd quarter, it could be interesting.

 

Edited September 28 by Dave T

[Fly-By-TheWire]

1 minute ago, Dave T said:

That's a heavyweight bench

 

1 minute ago, Dave T said:

Wonder if Burgess feels that Saints will just try to grind something out here, stay in the game and hope something comes off. Maybe having such a big rotation means we're looking to be patient but relentless.

If we can step up instead of dropping off in that 2nd quarter, it could be interesting.

 

I was literally in the middle of replying when you posted this.   It's exactly what I was about to suggest.   Hope it works.

[sentoffagain2]

    I think Warrington will win and i would set the handicap at 8 points.But a couple of bookmakers are offering 3/1 Saints which i think is too big in a play off game.

[Dunbar]

Tough one to call this.  The team Saints have managed to get onto the pitch today is as good as they have had in a long time, and better than Wire in my opinion.  But Wellens has not got this side playing to their best.

But play off rugby is attritional and Saints will have muscle memory - I have a feeling they will get the win today.

[Futtocks]

Great start! Just not for Makinson.

[Click]

Makinson doing his best to make sure everyone knows the sun was in his eyes.. 

[Futtocks]

Who had a try for Toby King in 1:23 in the sweepstake?

[GeordieSaint]

FFS. Horrendous start. 

[Click]

Wow, that was incredibly bad defence.