Catalans produced a comprehensive second half display to vanquish Wakefield in the Challenge Cup. It’s the second consecutive season Catalans have ended Wakefield’s dreams of getting to Wembley and sees them move into the last eight where they could meet Warrington – the team they beat in the 2018 decider.
Major Talking Points:
1. Sam Tomkins back to his best
You might be sick of hearing about Sam Tomkins’ early season form but it really has been spectacular. The ex-Wigan fullback is back to his best at Catalans and has been the key man in their three wins from three to start the season. He claimed BBC’s man of the match today and rightly so. Not only is he still dynamic with the ball and scintillating to watch, he’s matured and is a real leader for his team too. Shaun Wane was there today and Tomkins will no doubt have impressed the England boss. He could very well be England’s number 1 this autumn.
2. Davies wins the battle of the Toms
All the talk going into today’s game was about Tom Johnstone. He’s one of Super League’s best wingers and showed it as he battled against Tom Davies down the flank. He set up Wakefield’s only try and was dangerous down the left. However, his game ended at halftime after Davies denied him in the corner. Davies himself was again superb. He finished last season with the second most tries in Super League only behind Ash Handley and he today reminded everyone of his quality. Such a shame about his opposite number Johnstone however.
3. Wakefield simply out-muscled
Wakefield should be proud of their efforts in the first three games despite losing all three. They’ve battled hard and shown some really good signs. However, today was a similar story to last week against Wigan. Despite their effort, Wakefield were simply outmuscled by a brilliant Catalans pack who executed their game-plan perfectly.
Player Ratings:
Catalans Dragons
29 Sam Tomkins – 9
2 Tom Davies – 8
4 Dean Whare – 6
3 Samisoni Langi – 7
5 Fouad Yaha – 7
6 James Maloney – 7
7 Josh Drinkwater – 8
8 Gil Dudson – 8
14 Alrix Da Costa – 7
10 Julian Bousquet – 7
11 Matt Whitley – 7
12 Mike McMeeken – 7
13 Benjamin Garcia – 8
Substitutes
1 Arthur Mourge – 6
16 Paul Seguier – 6
24 Jason Baitieri – 7
28 Sam Kasiano – 8
Wakefield Trinity
1 Max Jowitt – 6
18 Innes Senior – 7
4 Reece Lyne – 7
3 Bill Tupou – 6
2 Tom Johnstone – 7
6 Jacob Miller – 7
7 Mason Lino – 8
8 David Fifita – 6
23 Josh Wood – 7
12 Kelepi Tanginoa – 6
11 Matty Ashurst – 6
14 Jay Pitts – 7
13 Joe Westerman – 8
Substitutes
10 Tinirau Arona – 6
16 James Batchelor – 6
17 Chris Green – 6
19 Jordan Crowther – 6
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