Yes Leeds weren’t expecting anything tonight. I think we’ve got Castleford next, Wakey twice and Catalans away before finishing the regular season against Wigan IIRC.
There was a fair amount of experience on the pitch mixed with several promising youngsters. I only thought the 2nd Saints try was a bit poor when Cameron Smith switched off and gave the wily Roby acres to run into. Saints scored a few quality tries.
Happy to see the Rhinos score a couple of tries and we can compare the Challenge Cup with Saints” “Hub Cap”
Will go to a semi final game at The Emirates
I agree that the first half was a mismatch but the Rhinos stuck at it and had 15 mins at the start of the second half when we were the better team. Then Saints scored an excellent try and regained their dominance. They scored a few high quality tries and Roby seizes on the slightest mistake in the opposition’s defence.I think Saints have Salford on Monday and Wigan on Friday. Lovely week, so they'll be happy to not have Leeds first XIII.
The first half was very tough - Roby's continuing form is quite a feat - and it was a bit of a mismatch. I missed much of the second half so don't know what happened.
It's quite a while since Saints won the Cup!
I agree that the first half was a mismatch but the Rhinos stuck at it and had 15 mins at the start of the second half when we were the better team. Then Saints scored an excellent try and regained their dominance. They scored a few high quality tries and Roby seizes on the slightest mistake in the opposition’s defence.
Btw I recall Keiron Cunningham used to say Saints saw the Challenge Cup as bigger than the play offs.
Yes Phil struggles a bit with balance. I remember we beat Wigan in a play off semi final several years ago and Phil saying Danny Maguire deserved to snap his ACL after fouling a Wigan player.I think it always was. It's the relentless Skyification that has changed the balance, and the cup is lost in the middle of the summer season with the hyped grand final import comparatively more important.
Expecting the balance to come back is like expecting Phil Clarke to say something balanced about Saints.
Attendances and prize money are usually bigger for the Challenge Cup final than they are the Grand Final.I agree that the first half was a mismatch but the Rhinos stuck at it and had 15 mins at the start of the second half when we were the better team. Then Saints scored an excellent try and regained their dominance. They scored a few high quality tries and Roby seizes on the slightest mistake in the opposition’s defence.
Btw I recall Keiron Cunningham used to say Saints saw the Challenge Cup as bigger than the play offs.
Yes Phil struggles a bit with balance. I remember we beat Wigan in a play off semi final several years ago and Phil saying Danny Maguire deserved to snap his ACL after fouling a Wigan player.
Attendances and prize money are usually bigger for the Challenge Cup final than they are the Grand Final.
That's quite convenient for me. Hadn't even had the competition on my radar.
Along with Craven Cottage, my favourite place in London to go to a game. Lots of boozers nearby and travel options. Far better than going a game in Tottenham.