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Wigan Warriors vs St Helens: Team news, match preview and score prediction

A Challenge Cup semi-final between the current top two in Super League would be a big occasion anyway, but the fact that rivals St Helens and Wigan are set to contest the first of tomorrow’s semi-finals makes it all the more special.

Certainly the league’s best two teams at the moment and two sides chasing every piece of silverware in 2022, something will have to give at Elland Road tomorrow.

It has to be said Saints are the serial winners of the pair at the moment but rocked by injuries this may be Wigan’s best chance of knocking the Champions off their perch and getting in an early blow as they look to cement themselves as Saints’ biggest challengers.

Team News

The Warriors have included Jai Field in their 20-man squad for the biggest game of their season so far which will be a welcome boost. They’re still without the likes of Willie Isa and Thomas Leuluai from their first 13 squad numbers as well as the suspended Sam Powell.

Equally, Saints are boosted with Jonny Lomax included in the 21 for the Champions as is Regan Grace who could be a massive return. Concerningly, Will Hopoate has been lost putting strain on Kristian Woolf’s options in the spine. Konrad Hurrell is back from a ban as he looks to book his place in a second Challenge Cup Final.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Jai Field vs Jack Welsby: There is no guarantee that either of these two players will play at fullback on Saturday but boy would it be a treat to see perhaps the two best fullbacks battle for a place in the Challenge Cup Final. In some ways there’s no player in the league better than these two to watch so expect some quality attacking rugby from the pair.

Bevan French vs Tommy Makinson: Two exciting players who know their way to the tryline, their ability to conjure up magic moments in attack could be the difference in this contest.

Harry Smith vs James Roby: This may seem like an odd battle to identify but halfbacks are always key in big games but in the halves we’re likely to see young Harry Smith meet the out of position James Roby. A somewhat surprising battle and not one you’d have expected to see, their influence on the game will be vital.

Where the game will be won and lost:

The league’s best attack takes on the league’s best defence and that’s where this will be decided. It’ll be about whether Saints can again nullify Wigan’s great attack as they did on Good Friday. If Wigan find the tools to score points against the Champions, then they may end St Helens’ reign as Challenge Cup holders especially if the Saints have to do without Jonny Lomax alongside their other noticeable absentees.

Score Prediction: Wigan Warriors 20-16 St Helens

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Jason

    May 7, 2022 at 2:39 am

    Wigan to win im afraid hope im wrong but saints will be up against a very quick back line saying that can wigan handle saints pack ?
    Good luck to both teams hope also Hull kr get their day at spurs they can play some good stuff.

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