Here is how Catalans Dragons boss John Cartwright reflected on his side’s humbling 40-16 defeat to Wigan Warriors in Paris.
In what was supposed to be a game that celebrated French rugby league, given that it is 30 years since Paris Saint-Germain and 20 years of Catalans Dragons, it would turn out to be an afternoon to forget for the new boss’ side, who came out second best in front of their passionate supporters.
Solomona Faataape, Zac Lipowicz and Chris Satae crossed for the home side, however Satae’s impact proved more harm than good after his sin-bin saw Wigan run in three tries in his absence from the field.
Cartwright has only been at the helm for two matches, so the performance today was very similar to the ones in the season already, highlighting to the former Hull FC man what needs to change.
“I think we learned a fair bit about the team today,” he told Sky Sports post-match. “The coaches have been saying all year [there’s] just flat periods of the game where we give up big chunks of points, and it was pretty much a carbon copy, wasn’t it?”
The second half saw a little improvement, with the scoreline in that period of the game sitting at 10-10. It was the disappointing opening stanza that would ultimately be the Dragons’ downfall.
“We we’re just our own worst enemy,” Cartwright said. “To get back to 12-6, although we had a bit of momentum there, from that moment it was just drama. Three tries in that 10-minute period.
“That’s the period that the coaches have been talking to me about. We just have those flat periods. You can have flat periods, but don’t give up points, which you saw Wigan do.
“They’re a great side, and they went down to 12 men and they were able to hold us out and come out with a bit of momentum. That’s where we’ve got to get to.
Asked what the key focus that he needs his side to improve on going forward, the boss said: “Errors.
“I think every coach in the Super League dreads those errors. Some sides are better than others at defending errors, but I think first half, I’m pretty sure Wigan were at 100% completions, no penalties.
“We turned over four coming off our own line, so you aren’t beating many teams, especially a side like that, doing that.”
