Jamie Jones-Buchanan says Wigan are “almost dull” in this area

As Wigan Warriors took on Salford Red Devils last night on Sky Sports, Jamie Jones-Buchanan was asked to provide an MOT on the Warriors’ start to the season.

He was asked to pass or fail one of the major title contenders for 2023 and ultimately his analysis was what Brian Carney described as “a pass with advisement.”

Buchanan explained his view on the Warriors over the three key areas of rugby.

In two of them he gave Wigan nine out of 10 but one area he described the Warriors as “almost bland.”

He said:

“I think if you break down the game into three areas, Wigan pass the skill level with flying colours, nine out of 10, great skill and great athleticism.

“Their resilience and fortitude, their philosophical approach, I think they’re nine out of 10 there as well. They’re going to out defend team, kick long and chase hard.

“Where they struggle for me, is their strategy. They’re only a five or six for me. I don’t see much reason in what they’re trying to do or why. It’s almost bland. They have enough firepower and individual brilliance to get by.”

Later he would go on to say that he feels that Wigan are perhaps lacking confidence in attack:

“I don’t think there is enough there in attack. I think they are lacking confidence.”

In the end it was the individual brilliance of brilliant stars Jai Field and Bevan French who won the game for the Warriors.