Bound to be Harry Sunderland winner now

Strange night in a few ways for Saints. Walmsley and Paasi look so much closer to their best but the back row were well off and the attack looked back to last year's level, in it's first test against a side expected to be up near the top of the table. It's Welsby or nowt in attack.

The long kicking game was borderline embarrassing. A professional outfit and one hoping to challenge for trophies can't leave themselves that short in such an important area.  Looking at how loathed Wellens is to give a kid like Stephens minutes, when he is clearly capable, I just don't see him doing it but Whitby surely has to come in, be that for Lomax or Sailor or maybe by them switching Sailor to the wing. 

My take on the game when they came against a proper team they struggled with  plan A (obviously no plan B )which was just to bully the opposition as the lack any real ideas of attack,must admit the ex Wigan players showed up well especially Micky (this was a good reason Saints couldn't bully).


Another good game for the neutral to be honest. 

I think the game just confirms what was initially thought about saints at the start of the season they aren’t good enough to challenge the top teams. I was surprised that there was no plan B especially with Briers being a coach, if saints are to challenge they need to get rid of Wellens and the Dads army brigade 

Briers can't do much on attacking play if Saints can't get out of their own half. 
How much of that game was played in the Saints half, 60%, 70% or more? 


The addition of JWH and MM has transformed that Rovers pack.

Welsby aside, there was essentially zero attacking threat from Saints last night. Kicking game a big problem. Stick a fork in Johnny Lomax - he's done.

One saving grace was the front rowers who all performed well.