Phil Clarke has sympathy for Wigan as he tries to explain second half collapse

Wigan Warriors somewhat imploded as they lost to Leeds Rhinos last night losing the second half 34-4.

After the game Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke seemed to express sympathy for Wigan suggesting that the way Leeds attacked is almost impossible to stop.

This came as he tried to explain the defeat:

“Two of them were interception tries, those are explained but the rest, I think Leeds moved the ball more.

“In the first half they couldn’t get a quick play the ball but give them some possession which hadn’t been even and ball movement was key. Any team, even the best defensive teams, struggle when there is ball movement at pace and Leeds did that.”

Meanwhile Stevie Ward believed the Warriors faded away after a strong start:

“They did apply a lot of pressure. They just seemed to fade away the longer the game went on.

“Maybe they need to do more when they are on top in first halves.”

He also said he respected Matt Peet’s honesty after the defeat as the Wigan boss admitted his embarrassment:

“I respect that though, he is literally just saying how he feels and I admire it. He is going to be in a difficult position and feel uncomfortable because that performance wasn’t like Wigan.”