THE meanest defence in Super League will be put to the test by the most potent attack in tonight’s table-topping clash of the Engage Super League champions and Challenge Cup holders.
Wigan will be out to repeat the defensive heroics that restricted previous leaders Huddersfield to a solitary try last Friday and halt a free-flowing Warrington side that ran in 14 against Harlequins two days later.
The Wolves’ 82-6 rout of the Londoners, which took them to the top of the table, equalled the third highest win in the 16 seasons of Super League but assistant coach Willie Poching knows it will count for little against the only unbeaten team in the league.
“The players are professional enough to take what advantages they can out of the game last Sunday,” said Poching.
“We understand that this game will pose a different challenge. They’re the champions and they ran the champions of Australia close a few weeks ago.”
The biggest league crowd of the season so far is guaranteed for the derby at the DW Stadium. Wigan have sold around 20,000 tickets and are hoping to top the 22,701 crowd for the corresponding fixture last year.
“It’s a big game,” said Warriors coach Michael Maguire. “The players love playing in these games and in front of big crowds.”
Wigan’s Australian back rower Ryan Hoffman, who was at the heart of his side’s impressive 20-6 win over the Giants, is just six games into his career in England but realises the importance of the fixture.
“Even this early in the season, it’s a game everyone is looking forward to,” he said.
“Warrington are on a bit of a roll. They certainly got some tryscoring practice at the weekend so we know our defence will have to be up to the standard it was against Huddersfield.”
The champions have the luxury of being able to bring back England full-back Sam Tomkins, who missed last week’s game through suspension, and are also likely to give a debut to Australian half-back Brett Finch, who missed the first six weeks of the season after undergoing neck surgery.
“He’s like a caged dog, ready to go,” admitted Maguire, who will make a late call on the ex-Melbourne player.
“He’s a player with vast experience and, with the enthusiasm he brings, he’ll slot in every easily. It will be a great boost when he comes in.”
Warrington are preparing for Finch to link up with scrum half Thomas Leuluai, enabling skipper Sean O’Loughlin to revert to his more comfortable position at loose forward.
“We’re well aware of some of the threats that Finchy possesses,” said Poching. “We know that he can make their team stronger if he’s there.”
St Helens look to open their account at the Stobart Stadium at the third attempt when former boss Mick Potter takes his Bradford side to Widnes tomorrow.
Saints are unbeaten away from home but have performed poorly at their temporary home, losing comprehensively against Warrington and Harlequins.
Potter, who was in charge of the club for two seasons before leaving in the winter, is playing down the significance of his return.
“I am not too bothered about that,” he said. “It will be good to catch up with some old acquaintances but, apart from that, it’s not a big deal for me.
“Given it’s Widnes and not Knowsley Road, it will be a different atmosphere. I don’t think it makes much difference but we’ll take any advantage we can get.”
With three wins from their last four matches, Potter is happy with the way his side is shaping up after introducing no fewer than 11 new signings.
One of the newcomers, Chev Walker, is fit again after a shoulder injury but is not guaranteed to go straight back into a side that ended Castleford’s 100% record last Sunday.
“We’re not in bad shape,” added Potter. “Chev is available but we may not be able to find a spot for him.
“When you are coming off the back of a win it’s hard to make changes. It’s a close thing.
“We did some really good stuff and some not so good stuff but is it enough to make the change? It’s a good position to be in.”
