: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:14 am  

AJ wrote:

Im certain it came from having a proper 6 & 9 in place and the players sticking to the gameplan.

Dropping a "bad egg" may also have helped some of our more senior players realise they need to shape up, or they might be the next player to be dropped.

It's interesting how one performance of that sort can change your entire outlook. In recent seasons, I've regarded trips to Leeds with extreme nervousness, having always anticipated a good hiding (despite the fact we've done pretty well there with relatively underperforming sides). But this week I'm much keener. Not because I expect us to win, but because I'm eager to see signs that we've really turned a corner and didn't just play well in a one-off against an unusually crap Bradford outfit. I think I'd go as far as to say if we play like that again - and lose, I'll still be happy (though obviously I'd rather we win).

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:51 am  

Cruncher wrote:

Not because I expect us to win, but because I'm eager to see signs that we've really turned a corner and didn't just play well in a one-off against an unusually crap Bradford outfit. I think I'd go as far as to say if we play like that again - and lose, I'll still be happy (though obviously I'd rather we win).

Exactly, if we carry on the way we went last week, regardless of the result, I will be more optimistic now than anytime I can remember in the last few seasons.

: Tue Mar 10, 2009 3:58 pm  

AJ wrote:

Exactly, if we carry on the way we went last week, regardless of the result, I will be more optimistic now than anytime I can remember in the last few seasons.

This is what I've said in the past re Noble's position. For 2 1/2 years we've played some pretty dour rugby that have mostly been 5 drives and a kick (or a kick on the 4th for inventiveness). This is the reason I have my concerns about him as a coach. However, in the past couple of games we've given the ball some width and, especially last Friday, we've seen the benefit.

If Wigan play good rugby and lose the fans will support them; if they don't show the effort and pride and lose then they'll be booed (and, IMO, rightly so).

Your point, Andy, re a proper 6 and 9 is bob on; Sam's eagerness and brain, coupled with decent distribution and guiding the pack around from Riddell has given the side purpose. I hope for proper rugby to be played, with Noble or without.