Sam Burgess picks out game-changing moment in Warrington Wolves win

Warrington Wolves are going great guns under Sam Burgess at present sitting second in Super League and having just progressed to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup with a huge win over St Helens.

Burgess’ side ended up cruising to a 31-8 victory but it wasn’t all plain sailing with the first half being as competitive and intense as any game so far this season, the only difference being George William’s drop goal on the hooter to make it 7-6 to the away side.

St Helens reclaimed the lead via a Jon Bennison penalty but from that point onwards it was one-way traffic with Warrington running in four tries and having a fifth disallowed as they hammered the Red Vee at their own ground, Sam Burgess and his men securing themselves a Challenge Cup semi-final against Huddersfield Giants.

The draw had been made at half-time but Sam Burgess seemingly didn’t tell his players that based on George Williams’ post-game reaction when informed of the Huddersfield clash, but instead Burgess used his half-time team talk to highlight a game-changing moment that in turn inspired his side to victory.

Former Leeds Rhinos forward Jamie Peacock, working as a pundit live on the BBC, explained how Warrington won the game, explaining: “I thought the effort was outstanding from Warrington Wolves all the way through the game as the foundation of that win.”

To that point, Sam Burgess added: “I’m really happy with the effort. It was a tough game and we knew it was going to be tough, we’re undermanned and have a few guys out but everyone is just doing their job.”

However, he picked out on key moment that was a catalyst for the win, George Williams’ 40-metre chase down of Jon Bennison followed by his tackle and strip of Lewis Dodd metres from the line.

Burgess explained: “That was my speech at half-time, I thought that there might be a few more of those efforts needed in the second half.

“George is great at that stuff but he’s so good on the ball. He’s physical and that tackle was a really big moment, we spoke pre-game about moments and that was probably one of the most important ones in the game.”

“It’s only Round Seven” – Sam Burgess pumps the breaks

Despite the impressive manner of victory, there was no time for an overreaction from rookie head coach Sam Burgess who quite calmly and clearly explained that his side are taking games week by week, reminding BBC’s Tanya Arnold that they’re only a quarter of the way through the season.

“It’s only Round Seven, there’s a long way to go. We’ve got a busted group at the minute but they’re hanging in there and they’re playing with a bit of spirit so I’m proud of them.”

One thing that has been massive for Warrington Wolves following two underwhelming seasons has been getting the fans back on board and in and among a crowd of 11,280 at The Totally Wicked Stadium was a raucous set of Wire fans.

Burgess could barely be heard during his post-match interview as the fans serenaded him and he revealed how the bond had been rebuilt after recent low seasons.

“We’ve been working on the bond with fans since November,” the 35-year-old said.

“Our fans are brilliant, I can barely hear you guys speak, but they’re great. They would stay for an hour if they could, they get right behind us and the players are responding.”

As well as George Williams, he gave a special nod to winger Matty Ashton who scored an incredible try in the corner, something that Bugress revealed had been a focus of his practice all week: “Yesterday before and after training, he’s the last one on the field and he’s doing that exact play 50 times. I thought he took it with some calmness and good on him, it was a great finish and one that he will be telling me about all week.”

Warrington will play Huddersfield Giants on the weekend of 18th and 19th of May at a neutral ground with details to be confirmed later this week.