Quarter-Final: Wigan v St Helens Rugby League: Challenge Cup

Welcome to Wigan. It is a glorious day. And it has been an exciting

week for the football fans of this town. We get take the league.

Blackburn Rovers are being relegated. -- 0 Wigan. Today, or

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Wigan Warriors to take on their This is a rival they that stretches

back to 1895. The original and technically only local derby. The

Earl of Derby has given his name to Only two events and this is one of

them. St Helens have lifted the club 12 times, Wigan have lifted at

18 times. It is the Wigan Warriors who are the holders it now. They

beat Leeds last year at Wembley. They got there despite a fightback

from today's opponents in a semi- St Helens have enjoyed winning five

times that sense at the Millennium. They have been end 11 its a

consecutive semi-finals. -- have been in 11 consecutive looks semi-

But they beat the Vikings by a small margin. It is going to be a

terrific match. There is a great atmosphere. Jonny Lomax has been

out practising his kicking. The players have had a tough season.

But for the fans, this is the match that matters. There is no love lost

between Wigan and his St Helens. You are good to see a wonderful

match today. I am pitch at the side at the DW stadium. There has been a

lot of talk about whether the pitch would take two games in to my days.

But at the picture looks in fabulous condition. Beside me are

You managed St Helens and then switched it to Wigan. How did you

get away with that? I do not know if I did. Does appease of your

heart always belong to St Helens? Definitely. I spent a long time

here. I met a lot of great people, it is a very professional club

steeped in history. This was a golden era in 2004 when you beat

Wigan in that final at the Millennium Stadium. How does this a

Pelhams of today compare? -- How does at St Helens compare now as to

them? No disrespect to the players today, but that was a golden team.

We had a great blend with great experience. That was a great

occasion in Cardiff. He still looks well enough to play! Wigan are

pretty good. They are top of the ladder for a reason. They are a big

team. They are a great side and they have world class players in

their ranks. Thomas Leuluai, and the rest of the pack. Jeff Lima,

Epalahame Lauaki, they keep them going forward. Again are favourites

today? Yes. -- are the favourites Wigan today? Yes. The St Helens

arguably have a stronger line up today. On paper, they do have a

stronger line-up. Gareth Hock is a powerhouse. He tore into the St

Helens defence. Sia Soliola will have to combat that today. Wigan

had a slight edge today. Discipline will be absolutely key. We will be

talking about that. The crowd are starting to war their approval. We

already know the first side through to the semi-finals and that is

Leeds Rhinos. Last night, at they play centurions. Leeds went ahead

after eight minutes, but centurions put up a good fight back. Leeds

Rhinos at war Darren centurions. -- The other quarter-finals coming

We will have live coverage of these After our coverage today... We will

be discussing any of the issues that you would like to cover. The

These two sides have played 27 times in a Challenge Cup history.

The first of those in 1897. This is a classic derby. The rivalry is

worn into the very fabric of Challenge Cup history. -- of old --

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The 2002 Challenge Cup winner's at, In a Super League, St Helens made a

stuttering start to the season. Four consecutive defeat cost Royce

Simmons his job. But the caretaker team of Mike Rush stepped in. Mike

Rush and Keiron Cunningham got St Helens back on a roll. Wigan are

the most successful team in Challenge Cup history. But the

holders got a scare against Featherstone in the last round. But

Wigan have won their last seven matches. The sweetest of those

victories came when they visited St Helens new home at Langtree Park.

That consistency from Wigan has been awarded him points. They are

out in front. St Helens after that ropey start, their players really

responded well under Mike Rush. In terms of tactics for today, what

will St Helens do to try to stop There we him Warriors are top of

the Super League table. -- at the Wigan Warriors. They know how to

put the ball over the try-line. Scoring. Starts at the middle of

the park for me. Epalahame Lauaki has come from Hull FC last season.

He is struggling at this point in time. What they want to do, once he

get into the opposition half is split the opposition. This is the

player of the ball. The first defender is going to have to deal

with the first leader runner. Either Thomas Leuluai or Brett

Thomas Leuluai leaves an overlap. This is what makes a Wigan very

special. Tomkins is the man to watch. They are trying to create an

overlap. But what ever side he goes to is generally where the ball will

go to. Tomkins is the first of our players

to watch. He is the highest valued Player him Super League. He has got

skill, a great game sense, his anticipation it is very good. He

will burn your back if you do not stay square. He feeds off the back

of other players. He adds polish to its other players. And he is still

only 23. Josh Charnley is Wigan's youngest player. He does at the

tough stuff. We ask the Wakehurst to -- at the winner's de bridge the

him. He is very strong, very quick, very elusive. The top scorer so far.

Paul Wellens is a player that other players like to play with. He is

meticulous, clinical, one of the best players in that area. And he

brings experience. One of the orders players on the pitch. What

about Jonny Lomax? He is an exciting product. He is a local boy.

A lot of these teams have played against each other at every age

level. His position is scrum-half. He is a brilliant player, elusive

as well. What he does do is lingered really well with Paul

Wellens. He will create And he is physically very strong

but he had a bad head injury when he was 14. Back in 2006 I saw him

in hospital and he had a wires coming out of his head. He had a

long-term problem in the sport but I came back to Australia and he

came back and I admire him. He is playing at the highest level and is

one of the most promising players. He backs his speed and he has got

courage and skill. Look at the flags going up in the grandstand.

Loyal 18? Marking be 18 Challenge Cup wins of Whigham. I can see what

it is. The 18th man in the team. It probably says loyal to their.

Instead of dampening down the fire of the light -- rivalry, they have

been staking it up. How do you sum it up? It has been there all the

time and it is a healthy rivalry and the clubs enjoy it. We have got

respect for each other but you want to come out on top against them.

Four teams up on top. How do we can come out on top? They have been

superb this week and I had shared a lot of footage from the game at

Langtree Park which we won convincingly. The confidence is

superb and team spirit is fantastic. No further motivation is needed.

How would you sum up the rivalry? I have heard it compared to the old

firm in Glasgow. It is worse than that! I have a lot of respect for

people in St Helens regarding the board and the coach. But I have

been brought up as a Wigan lad. They are the arch rivals. They are

the team we badly want to beat. you have done a terrific job since

you came in. How have you turned things around? I am not sure it was

doom and gloom. We have always got high expectations and I think we

needed the senior players to buy into the changes we wanted to make.

We seem to have been able to turn it around. The players will be

coming out into this wall of sound two-shot lead. We can get

predictions. Brian? Wigan will be slightly too strong. I think the

bench is a bit more up to speed and I think we could well be too strong.

My heart says Saints but my head says Wigan. It is very important,

the rivalry with Jonny Lomax. He has been a stand out all his career.

I think it will be close but I will just go with Wigan. And they've

football fans here will be up in the box next to what is normally be

television studio and I hope they will enjoy this match. We have got

a couple up they're getting married them. They have had a mutual

loathing and it is an at all costs of victory that they will be

demanding, both sets of supporters. Not just another game of rugby.

This matters more than most of. Some surprise absences will stop

Jack Hughes comes back. Pat Richards still absent. These

players came good at the Academy. They all started at this club. We

have not got any shortage of St Helens talents either. Jonny Lomax

is potentially eye-catching today. Danny Jones back from a shoulder

injury. A consistent performer of. James Roby makes his 250th

appearance today. He comes back from a shoulder injury. A reminder

that all four changes will be available throughout the game. 12

in total can be made, changes by either coach. The referee today...

Sam Tomkins might just be a match- winner but we have got so many on

both sides that might be match winners today. In reality, it is a

chance for one team or the other to lord it over their reviled rivals

game. They have been consistent player has scored one try in his

last five matches. But had little opportunity to make any movement

there. A half break by Anthony Gelling. He has lost it. It was a

cleaner lost. Gelling knows that was a big mistake in the early

stages of the game. St Helens have the advantage Independent's half.

You have got to control it. That stages. Emotions are bound to be

running. A few words exchanged, I think. We will keep an eye on that.

They are still chatting. current New Zealand internationals

where he loves to Rome! And it goes St Helen's wave. James Roby,

magnificent player, he makes the distance. Squared up the defenders.

High tackle. A great opportunity. Perry with the initial drive.

Anxious moments for both teams in attack and defence. Anthony

Laffranchi bus stop a real touch --. A real tussle going on. James Roby

collects it. Jonny Lomax across the line. Wigan's defence recovers well

enough. Paul Wellens, I thought he area. It is causing problems. --

goal area. That was a lovely kick. It was deflected. Early pressure

from Saints. And if you are watching at home, you can pick your

winner right now. Neutrals not momentum going forward. Roby. Real

pressure but you think they would have to come away with something.

very well organised defence at the awkwardly and taken! And St

touchdown by Paul Wellens! He wants to have a look again. That was a

lovely kick. They dropped back and they were recovering. It was well

recovered. But the accuracy of that kick was magnificent. The bouncing

of the ball favoured St Helens. He is back. Definitely onside. Check

be chasing. Kicked it into space. It's checked a little bit of. He

was quick enough to realise that he was going to be held up. Offloaded

and as always, Paul Wellens is there. But was there a bubble here?

Was that forward? You would think not. Definitely a try. Will it be

first blood, St Helens? Tried given! St Helens have the lead and

what a start to that game. A great start. The first mistake and they

kept possession well. They had patience, composure and when

opportunities came, they scored. set into another. Keep and built

pressure and they got their rewards which was a try. That was a shocker

by Jonny Lomax. He would have expected that any day of the week

but he missed. He just snapped. It was very well covered and that put

it into space. The ball bounces up and it has been taken and put away

get through this next period. all about momentum. All the

pressure they had, they needed to come away with something and they

have had possession but were in danger of getting it a wave.

Another six tackles here. Josh Perry, the former Australian

international. Sean O'Loughlin. Well racked up by the three

defenders. Still fighting and they have cracked inside the opposition

opportunity and that is all he needs. The gap closes. The ball is

back on the inside again. That was five and here comes the last.

Tomkins has it and he is in the field of play. We can get down to

the touch line. I think Wigan are going to have to hold on to this

ball because I think the town has been set. St Helens are straight

back into it. It is about not giving the opposition absolutely

take. Gaining in confidence. All the pressure has come from Saints.

the overlap. -- Charnley. The fifth tackle has been got through again.

Here comes at the last. A bit of a nervous attitude. But no problems

at this time. He wants to get on is going crazy. That was a clear

have made it two errors. There they are. Just need to keep it simple.

Kick it basic. Get a good kick him and put some pressure on St Helens.

They have had no pressure on them what so ever. The whole game has

been played inside Wigan's half. Ones St Helens get a play at the

ball, Roby is on. Here comes Roby What is the key to said Helen's

establishing this early dominance? They have done a really good job of

taking the ball forward. They have put Wigan under pressure.

important is a good start? It is absolutely massive, especially

coming to a place like Wigan. It is those two. Words being exchanged.

damaging. Robbie is on the other side. This is finished. Some

an opportunity like that. But just watch Jonny Lomax. He comes up to

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competition over the years. He is The French gets it away under

pressure. -- Brett Finch gets it away under pressure. Good kick, a

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come. -- will come. This is it Roby. their opponent's half. Just keeping

the pressure on St Helens now. the St Helens defence of recover as

well enough. Charnley is underneath it. A great defensive work by Gary

What have you made of it so far? think St Helens started fabulously

well. But it was a boxing match. The one opportunity Wigan have had,

they executed. St Helens got caught cold by one player. It was a poor

start from Wigan by their standards. There is young Jack Hughes.

Prescott. He did well to get it away. We can carry on regardless.

This is an opportunity. It is going to be picked up by St Helens. A

chance for them to clear their lines. What an opportunity.

defence was not organised. Just watch. It was a poor offload. He

cuts inside and stays there. That Roby swings it back to Lomax. He

hammers it downfield. Tomkins is going to test the St Helens defence.

Some injury news. Harrison Hansen dislocated a finger. The physio all

came on and popped it back in place and he is back in the fray.

dislocated finger. But it has been popped back in. Tomkins now. Here

is a Jack Hughes. Chopped down. This is Brett Finch. Not the best

of kicks. Another set of six here. Hough will take him. Wigan are

knocking on the door again. Jeff Lima. They are creating overlaps

now. He has taken it quickly. But he is not going to trick his way

over. St Helens defenders have to wise for that. Brett Finch with the

ball. Again they are in. It is the same channel that they found a way

through. Wigan were behind, but now they are up. They have scored two

tries. This is the highest quality of Wigan. They create the overlap,

the support play is good. Very O'Loughlin in support. Very

O'Loughlin. His coach will be a happy man having seen that. They

Lauaki are creating havoc, creating second goal of the afternoon. Wigan

looking to apply all their authority in the opening stages,

but Wigan have managed to wrestle their way through that time. Can St

Helens produce a response? Mike Rush has got to work it out. They

are getting caught on the fringes of the defence. Quickly to his feet.

Too quick for Mike McIlorum. And we know what happened last time.

Another mistake. The momentum can little, both sides. -- read a

little. -- breathe. A little glance around to see what lies ahead and

he plays it back. Wrestled down well enough. Roby is here again.

Another question of Wigan's defence. We can provide the answer. Lomax

puts it away. And again, that build up of an interchange of passes. And

it is a penalty. It was on the fifth tackle as well. Wigan have

attack. Using the inside ball a lot. side and out of play. An

opportunity given away. And on the first tackle as well. The cage

macro will not be happy with that. -- the coaching staff. These men

have been put in charge until the end of this season after the

departure of Royce Simmons. The current Huddersfield coach will be

the boss on a permanent basis next season. More on the red button. And

our line. -- online. Harrison and wait. He tried to take it and

it has given possession back to St Helens. Shenton is the man in

possession. Chris Flannery drawing a couple of men. The shoulder of

CRB check puts him down. -- Jeff Lima. He has a look and decides his

next course of action and drops it into the hands of Clough. Hanging

on the moment, the Wigan defence. Lomax with a big step but not quite

big enough. He ran into the arms of Epalahame Lauaki. This is the last,

I think. He tried to go for the 4th ball route through and has given

possession away. Just watching James Roby and he is such a great

player. Scanning all the time. Making his 250th appearance. It is

a career in two parts because out of these appearances, 132 have been

off the bench it. He was an understudy for a long time. He has

had a lot of playing time. But menace but Wigan are short of the

halfway line but stable get better than that because he was hanging on

and the referee awards a penalty to Wigan. We can get to the touchline.

I am joined by a recently retired Wigan player. What has been the

secret for Wigan getting back into this match? They have got steel in

their defence and they have defended pretty well. They have

played well. I think the communication as well. They

understand the position that they are in and they are pretty

confident. Would you like to be out there on a day like this quest bark

it would be fantastic today and a great day to play some rugby.

like this?. Thanks, Amos. It would have been accident the spectacular

but it has been quite mundane, hasn't it? -- absolutely

spectacular. They are thinking, do not look for the miracle ball and

build pressure. A little wave to his team mates. Maybe an apology

and an indication that he needs to lift it up for a minute. You can

hear them shouting, one a minute, one minute! If they put a one

minute of big effort in defence, metre line. James Roby. McCarthy-

Scarsbrook. Jonny Lomax. We have not seen much of Gareth Hock.

came of a Wigan player, I think. It will be played on. He punches the

air in frustration. That could have gone anywhere. So close to getting

Another from 80 we heritage. -- 8 New Zealand heritage. The arm goes

up from the referee to signal that is the last. Both eyes on the ball.

A concert that taker of the high kick. Easy by Paul Wellens. -- a

consumer to taker of the high kick. The referee says play arm. Just

needed one more player on his shoulder. Aid downed kick. A jagged

bounce and in St Helen's favour. They have to scrabble in the end

before the tackle. What have you made of it so far? Able been

looking back at the moment and thinking that they should come down

on the right-hand side. If we look at Gareth Hock, the defensive line

has not stayed to get back and they have caused problems. They lack a

little bit of go forward in the ruck area. They have played a bit

lateral and have played in the hands of Wigan and here we go again

Gelling is not used to playing on the bright and he looks out of

position. -- on the right-hand side. It is not to gelling. Saints have

been very fortunate. Lomax is jumping out the line and you have

got to communicate and hold the line and it's somebody is jumping

out, they have got to get organised. We have not got a real pattern in

the game but a lot of mistakes. A bit of momentum but it is not

happening for either team. The defence is slowing down of the ruck.

position he has given his team. Tomkins cannot keep hold. Going

back to the middle. Jack Hughes between them, he drags him down.

The momentum is with Saints. Lomax and it is taken by Paul Clough

again. A good, strong defence by Wigan. A muscular breed is look for

anxious to finish it but it is going to be stopped. Here comes the

last. Taken it well enough, on a default. Not a high kick but taken

on the believe. -- on the full. -- that has been given. A great chased

by Jack Hughes. I am not sure what the message was. He was pointing at

the 20 metre line. He was conveying a message that maybe he thought

they were playing on and trying to get onside and they were on site.

The penalty goes Wigan's way and they will look to find touch or

Literally cleaned out. There must be a clash of heads. He must have a

tough head. What a hit. I think that was a clash of heads. He can

feel it on the top of his right eye. And a bit of a half-smile by Mike

Rush. He enjoyed that. Mike Flanagan formerly of this parish.

Totally accidental. He makes the tackle and he leaned into it. A

sickening collision. Just accidental and not intentional. He

lined up for the tackle and he stepped to the left and they

stepped into each other. A clash of heads. I am sure Flanagan would

have appreciated a tap on the back from one of his team-mates as well

after a clash with one of the opponents. That is the last thing

he would have wanted. A bit of a hold up because as is always the

case, when we have a head, back and neck injury, the medical staff make

absolutely sure it is OK before they move the player and take him

away. We had a similar stoppage on this ground just a couple of weeks

back and that actually involved are a referee. Best of luck for his

recovery. I think he had a broken tibia or his ankle in a clash with

a player, purely accidental. It was stopped for about six minutes and

that was the first time I have seen he referee's stretchered off. A bit

of a bit here. It is not how you would have wanted it but a bit of a

lift for St Helens because they the field aided, being supported,

you are not allowed to go back on the field. They want to protect

people who have concussion from coming back on. It is an

interesting one. He will go off on a stretcher, they will give him

smelling salts, and then he will be because it will protect players.

Everyone wants to be brave and bold, but they have to be cared for

medically. It is a tough game. Very, An accidental clash of heads.

law intent. He went in for the tackle, Epalahame Lauaki stepped

into it. There is concern amongst the coaching staff for the player,

but how do you change your tactics? Almost certainly an interchange

less. And the man who caused it all has no problems. Five minutes of

this half the remaining. It is nicely poised. Both sides have had

the ascendancy at times. The potential is for a thrilling second

half. McCarthy-Scarsbrook. This is Roby lining it up to his left. It

is taken on by Magennis. Interchanges to Lomax. Here comes

at the last. Lomax thought he could see a way through, but it closed up

very quickly. He made the tackle. Wigan looking for some hard work

from deep inside their own half to clear their lines. St Helens will

be trying to stay here. What is the news on Epalahame Lauaki? He is

looking extremely groggy and has been taken into the changing room

for assessment. They think he may have broken his jaw. Here is Hock.

Down that left channel. Certainly working that side. Another St

Helens player Darren on that side. He does not look to help the either,

Jon Wilkin. This is Gary Wheeler. - pack. It is a real tribute to the

right hand side. They targeted at Jonny Lomax. Here they go. Good off

load. Anthony Gelling again. It has been knocked on. By this St Helens

player, not to the Wigan man. is play on. I think he is very

unlucky there. That is the wrong decision. They did extremely well.

He was injured a few moments ago, they targeted him. First mistake by

former Irish international. I think St Helens will be happy. Jonny

Lomax is calling again, bring defenders over. Here is Hock,

Tomkins, a good tackle by Lomax. He stemmed the flow of that move. But

Wigan it still down that left at Channel. Great play by Wigan there.

Good passing. Inside ball by Brett Finch. There is the mistake by

Anthony Gelling. They look very dangerous. The hooter will sound on

what has been a fascinating first half. The St Helens started off as

a real threat, but Wigan responded If you are a rugby league fan,

there is only one way to celebrate your wedding, come here. St Helens

started very well. Wellens scored his 118th try. But Sam Tomkins went

through with a bit of class to put Wigan ahead. The half-time score

Let's get the reaction from the pitch side. The game has ebbed and

flowed in the great tradition of Saints against Wigan. I think his

St Helens came out for the first 15 minutes. They had to take all their

opportunities and missed the kick at goal. But it is a real credit to

Wigan. They were able to get over the try-line and have dominated the

middle part of their half. For the last five or 10 minutes of the game,

it was a bit of an arm wrestle. Wigan have played in the way that

you outlined at the start of the game. Yes, it is hard to defend

against that. It is so hard to defend against that type of play.

They do it so well. It has been bruising at times. We always expect

that, Epalahame Lauaki's injury is sickening. Yes, and they have lost

one of their bigger powerhouse players. That might play in St

Helens favour. If we take a look at I just want to see a quick good

luck to the couple who are getting married during half-time. It is

happening on the other side of the pitch from us. They have got 10

minutes to get it over and done with! What did you make of that

first half? The statistics say that St Helens have had quite a lot of

the ball and quite a lot of territory. I think they will be

disappointed. They have to build pressure, be clinical and have

composure. I think they have lacked composure in their attack. But

Wigan's experienced players have not always got it right. You can

see Shaun Wane for there. They have not had the continuity and floor

that they are normally half. -- flow that they normally have.

needed to have more control over the ball than they have had. They

have only used half of the ball. Saints need to put quality on the

end of all the possession they have had. Both teams seemed to be having

a crack at the opposition's right hand side. That is what St Helens

have to do in the next half. Wigan started with a lot of mistakes. Was

there a reason? Where the nervous because it is a big match? It could

be lack of direction, it could be nerves. It could be an element of

laziness as well. Look at Shaun Wane there. St Helens got the first

try on the board. Paul Wellens, their longest serving player on the

pitch. It was on the last tackle. The bones of the ball gives them a

bit of luck. -- the bounce. They have got more people in the frame

which is good for St Helens. I was really surprised at that kick.

Jonny Lomax was out there practising for ages. Well, I have

seen at Tiger Woods miss a few over the years. That is a pressure. That

is reflected in their game a little bit. It might make the defence at

the end. Those extra points can be vitally important. Let's have a

Lomax drums out of the line. You need a line and you need to make

ball. It is easy for somebody like Tomkins to get in there. He looks

like a thoroughbred racehorse. coach, you tell them to stay

together, and if you look at Lomax, he makes an early decision. He

works with the inside defender. That is what causes the problem.

is such an experienced player already. Sean O'Loughlin has great

experience. I am sure he will be adding his voice to what they are

being told. This is the second attempt and they get it right.

drags of the defenders in. The kick going to the left hand side. If you

look at this try again. Hock attract defenders. But he has

agreed offload. But it is the anticipation and the timing of Sean

O'Loughlin. That is where a good experienced captain knows it is an

opportunity. That is a good point. Hock attracts attention. He was not

involved in the play. But because he is such a big and talented

player, it will free up other players. The smart play comes from

Sean O'Loughlin. He times his run The hardest thing about Gareth Hock

is his size. You try to create a battle for him to win and if he

does not, he gets the offload. That will cause problems in the second

half and he will come back on the inside. What you are trying to do

is win the match up, or try and create the big battles that you can

win. We both rate Gareth Hock as one of the top three backs in the

world. And you are hoping for a lucky break and you want the person

getting the ball to be the fastest. Wellens is not necessarily bad but

Wellens is not necessarily bad but it is the beginning of a great

break. The great part of his career is his position play which is

outstanding. I think he has been pressured to many times. It is like,

run, run! But on the other part of run, run! But on the other part of

it, I think they have given him a little bit too much. But I bet he

would like to get hold of the hearts a few times and say, we must

finish the six better and apply pressure and we can turn territory

into points. But for all the lack of speed, he has never had

outstanding pace but he thinks twice as quick as anybody else and

that is why he is vitally important. Speed of thought is as important a

speed of foot, apparently! Leeds speed of foot, apparently! Leeds

Rhinos of calls are already through to the semi-finals. Wigan and St

Helens are fighting to join them. Then, Warrington play Catalan.

Huddersfield and London Broncos are the 4th of the semi-final matches.

That will be on BBC Two tomorrow just after 2 o'clock. We continue

on the red button after today's and we have got a round-up of the

Premier League action and the final day of the Premier League seasoned.

Manchester City or Manchester United? And you can see the great

Manchester run on Sunday on BBC Two as well. St Helens thinking about

how to make up that deficit. Wigan in front but will baby -- but will

they be far enough ahead? They will have the same emphasis at the start

of the second half and they will want its dead and buried in 10

minutes. It will be a big 10 minutes. It's Saints are still in

it after 10 minutes, anxiety might creep into Wigan's game. And a

couple have just got married in the hospitality boxes. They have

hopefully had time to get ready and watch the second half. They have

about 40 weddings every year here in Wigan and this was booked in

October. They did not know the Challenge Cup dates and that is why

it has ended up being today it. It is anybody's game. This rivalry

stretches back to the 1890s. As long as they play this game, we

will always have this rivalry. And how is it going? Jonathon? It has

been a bit of a stop and start game. We have not had any real pattern

and momentum. I think they have slowed down be played. They have

tackled hard and we have not seen a lot of James Roby. But it that

happens, anything can happen. But Wigan will come out with a big and

explosive game. They need a couple of scores. St Helens painfully

aware of how momentum can influence the game. They almost let it slip

against Widnes. How many did vacancy in the last 15 minutes? But

they just about managed to hang on. with a quick burst of scoring. They

must have a full concentration as a start this second half. -- as they

Tomkins pushing Flanagan a wave. -- punishing kick if they can. Giving

chase. It seems he has recovered in the early exchanges. He will pick

up and run off to his right. But he cannot get it away. They want to

get the kick and Lomax does get the kick up and hide. He has done it

well and he has pinned him down nicely. Damian Johnson on the

touchline. The coaching staff have been praising Wigan's defences but

errors in the second half there. The Saints coaching staff said they

have got to change and convert it away. It is a bit of an arm-

wrestling contest, isn't it? Going The Wigan chairman. Formerly of

looking for, Wigan. Have a look as they pick up the tempo mouth. --

now. The ball has been dislodged. The St Helens chairman. All the big

was not unlucky but down right loose. Unforced errors but here he

comes. Setting a platform. Mike McIlorum picks it up. Tomkins

coming from behind. That was a great tackle. Fantastic. He came

inside and a tackle had to be made. Trying to wrap it up but a penalty,

offside. Such a difference would be quick playing of the ball. The

mistake and the penalty. Very, very anticipation. St Helens escaping.

They are working the right hands side's defence. Good running by

Makinson. We have got an update on the injuries situation. He will not

play any further part, the players stretchered off. The doctor has

given several stitches inside his mouth but he has not had any jawed

forward. Well read by Mike McIlorum. A short pass. Rolling back and

McIlorum simply waiting for him. That was certainly an offside

position because he did not attempt but eventually he did. Jeff Lima

driving. A two scored difference in Wigan's favour at the moment. Hock

offering himself again. A little them on by himself down the middle.

Finch. It has been taken in mid- air but lost again by Gelling.

good effort and a good job. Makinson gets above them. Penalty,

St Helen's. We can see what Mike Rush has said. They did not make

the most of Wigan's mistakes. swinging arm from Hock. That is why

Quick and terrific hands by Roby at. Flannery holding the ball. I did

not know why but it was dropped. He will be disappointed because we

just had a hint of something developing. Flannery did well. He

second half but still increasing. We have not had any dominance in

initial burst. -- stepping inside. Jeff Lima. All quite

straightforward at the moment. Looking for a bit of territory, a

bit of momentum to work it in their beaten Wellens and he has beaten

all of them and he has put Wigan in a commanding position! Are a

wonderful individual try by Finch. The man from Melbourne with a

devastating run. That is what these teams can do. Stopping, starting

and a bit of individual magic. He can see the gap and he throws the

dummy. Just stepping outside. Just lovely dummy. That is a great try.

Just watch at the dummy run as it comes up. Just that split-second.

Brett Finch at spots it and throws a dummy. A lovely step on the

outside of Wellens. That is the kind of thing you used to do before

the rheumatism upset him! -- set kick. Wigan the lead as a result of

this magical moment by Brett Finch. That is a dummy run. Just holds up

a Shaun Magennis. Allows him to get just have a sense here that they

can take this game by the scruff of the neck. -- or we can just have a

sense -- Wigan. Brett Finch making Paul Wellens work hard. That was a

good kick and chase. What do you make of that last try? That was a

fantastic try. The game has been a little bit scrappy after half-time.

This is a dangerous time for St Helens. They need to make sure that

they get straight back into the game. Indication from the referee

that Lomax's needs to do something here. -- Lomax needs. That is a

very solid St Helens line. Helens need to pick it up a little

bit. Pick up on unforced errors in has looked a little bit lost on the

left-hand wing. Tomkins will stop - - it Tomkins. That is a difficult

pass. A difficult position that he found himself in. Just watch. As he

goes down, he throws the past just a little bit law to Josh Charnley.

-- pass low to Josh Charnley. is a key period of the game. It is

by no means won or lost. St Helens need to respond quickly. Here comes

Flanagan. Lomax. Shenton. Lance That is a super kick. Put Wigan on

the back foot. They will get possession here. But they are

having to work from deep in their your thoughts and so far? At the

moment, at St Helens have not won the rucker area. -- ruck. They are

being nullified at the moment. The forwards are not winning the battle

to create the momentum. The need to win that if they are going to get

into the game. And the need to make more use of Roby. Here comes

McIlorum. Just making the momentum work. Right down the middle at the

moment. They will settle for that high kick towards Anthony Gelling.

That was an opportunity there. It was an inventive kick. Yes, it was.

Nobody really called for it. On a different day, Fortune would have

favoured him. But not today. It is very scrappy now. They are not

winning in the tackle area. They are nullifying a James Roby. Roby

again. Lance Hohaia. Looking for touch. An opportunity for Tomkins

to run it clear. Jonny Lomax. Two young players who will be starring

for Great Britain for a long time to come. It is a matter of what we

were talking about. A lot of credit has to go to Wigan's defence. They

are forcing St Helens to let go the ball early. Sean O'Loughlin. Wigan

are controlling the game at their own pace now. Wellens picks it up.

No easy route here for St Helens. But something special here from

Makinson. Tomkins just about has the pace to hold on. Fantastic by

Machen some. Have they got their overlap? -- Makinson. Lance Hohaia

wanted to take it quickly, but the referee says no. What a fantastic

run by Thomas Makinson. St Helens need to score quickly. Just over 20

minutes left to play. Wigan's line pick it up. A chance for St Helens.

Robbie again. This is Shenton. Brett Finch holding on. Restricting

the options. Still at tackles to go. The referee says yes. That is a big

score now. Wellens in the middle of here. If St Helens score, they are

back in the game. If we get a can hold on, it might dampen at St

Helens' spirits. That is a big tackle by Harrison Hansen. Out it

goes to Lomax. Out two-wheeler. Over the line. Has he touched it

down? -- out to Wheeler. That is a great effort. The referee is having

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

there. He might be thinking of a penalty try here. The left hand

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

one decision. What is he going to trying to score the try. The Wigan

man has knocked the ball out. was an argument for that being a

penalty. But I think the defender is given a bit of leeway. St Helens

will be encouraged by how close they came, knowing that they have

at Wigan are teetering a little - Hock. That has been brewing from

and here it comes! He would not want to be in the middle of that,

would you? He is going to have a word with both of them. There he is

not, Mike McIlorum. That is a penalty. He was the man to be drawn

out. There is no need for you to come in, OK? But it is a penalty to

St Helens. It remains a really time, Saints. But they need to do

whip a hole in the defence but not quite at. -- not quite. He is

looking to get it away and has it been knocked on? It has been.

defence again by Wigan. Very, very aggressive. Just watch. Gareth Hock

goes in. Big hit. Knocked forward. Pressure relieved it. Giving

themselves a pat on the back, the Wigan defenders, before subsiding.

-- for surviving. Two try is, two having the ball knocked away.

Prescott. McIlorum. Jack Hughes. They have got to defend a lot

round. Looking for touch. Looking to put Saints on the back foot.

Wellens was not sure if he should go for it or not. It was awkward,

but he takes it cleanly. Wigan have got a chance to move up quicker.

that is what Wigan have got to sort out. They are in control of the

game at the moment. When they have got possession, when the tackle

comes, good kicking but the discipline has been very poor.

has been a heady spell of possession Saints are enjoying at

the moment. They are doing a lot of their playing inside the Wigan half

as well. But they need more than angles. Wellens. He has been the

strike runner but they need somebody to help him because they

have got him covered. He has run into the dummy. Up he gets. They

are going nowhere at the moment. They need variety it. They need

something invented. He is the man that can create it but it has gone

through. He has tackled and here they are going. Stopped. Stolen?

Stolen. I think that was frustration more than anything else.

A two Magne tackled. As clear as you will see. -- a two manner

tackle. -- Player tackle. That is actually in an offside position.

Saints dominating with possession and territory but it is turning

that into points that has been the Could carry. -- could carry. --

winning the race, Shenton. He got right into his face. That is what

the referee is saying. He was a bit high with his arms. We can see what

he was trying to do. Anything above the shoulders, that is it. They

have decided to go for goal as well. That will be three scores them. Two

points takes them away. Join us for for the semi-finals. Catalan,

through it. He has certainly got the distance and more than just

that, the range as well. Right in between. They believe. That is an

early celebration of victory. A big that they are too far back in the

game. They have got to be more clinical in attack. But it's still

plenty of time for this to turn around. -- but there is still

nice and simple. Nothing too fancy in this set. Tomkins puts the kick

down. He is there in support. Can he produce something magical here?

Wigan making sure nothing is given foot. They are going wide to early.

You have got to earn the right. Get on the front foot. They have not

been able to do that and that has been dead big problem. A penalty

for Wigan. -- that has been a big problem. And he has given away

another 10 metres because he has said something to the referee. We

will see what he has to say. cannot say that, OK? I control the

game and you cannot go whacking him not the back 10, Perry. A try for

Wigan and he would think it was game over. Finch. Tomkins. Tomkins,

with his defining style, going to be right but right into the St

Helen's defence. Three gone, three left in this particular set. 10

minutes remaining. He grabs it but loses it. His fingertips have been

taken in the first instance. That was very good tackling. He hits the

miracle. The Wigan chanting has begun. A sense that they are

getting closer and closer to the semi-finals. The first time in 12

years that Saints have not featured in a Challenge Cup semi-final. They

have been in all the previous 11. They have been an almost permanent

feature in the semi-finals but not this year, it would seem, unless

they can produce something magical in what remains. Going backwards at

was like a speed bump. Getting possession back. Again, we have not

got a platform here for Saints. That is the roaring you can hear

down below us. Acclamation by the Wigan supporters. And here comes

Wigan. They did not need flamboyance at this stage. They are

playing very conservatively now. And what about that for a release?!

That was quite clearly forward. That would have been sensational.

He is winning absolutely everything. He is one of these players, that

you can imagine will have some really fantastic moments to put on

his record. But making quite a few mistakes. Saints have to move it,

to get on with it. Wheeler with the dummy. Two defenders to make a real

break. Roby. A Wilkin up. They have got a chance. The left-hand side.

He will need support on be inside. He had it. He got a hands to it and

knocked it backwards. Very good defence by the Wigan scrum-half.

great break by Francis Meli. have got an opportunity for Gelling.

On the left-hand side but well- stocked. He did not look like he

was going to get away. He has lost it, Shenton. Knocked away and

against frustration and a penalty fantastic start by St Helens. They

took the lead. The set of as if they had the bit between their

teeth. -- they set off. But Wigan have taken their chances when they

were offered. This looks like the end of the run for St Helens' Cup

runner this year. -- cup run. Finch are just throws the ball to

the flower in disgust. -- to the floor. It could be a repeat of last

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

year's final, Wigan against Leeds. Just inside Wigan territory. Lomax

at two Wellens -- Lomax into Wellens. A direct approach

attempted. Soliola has been quiet Here is Lomax now. It St Helens

looking for a final push. But we can survive and have possession. --

we -- Wigan. You have the honour of selecting the man of the match. For

me, he has controlled the game. Brett Finch is my man of the match.

He waited to us there. Saying thank that has been a problem. Roby,

Wellens, Laffranchi. And Brett Finch is at the sponsor's man of

the match as well. One last thrust here. The game is over surely?

Laffranchi. Trying to pull that Wigan defence by pretending he was

going to pass. -- fool. It has been knocked on. Wigan have possession

back again. That has been a large part of the story of the game. St

Helens have had possession but they have not been able to provide the

cutting edge. A classical they are big game for these sides. -- Derby

game. It has been a scrappy game. Wigan have taken opportunities.

Helens defenders were looking the other way. John we may not be happy

with the performance, but will be happy with the result. -- Shaun

McIlorum. Going for a drop goal. He has not scored many of those in his

career, and he has not scored that one. A rather unsatisfactory end to

some lovely runs today. Lomax and Wellens, they have done most of the

running. But they need something more. The Wigan defence has coped

easily with them today. Here comes Laffranchi. The offloaded to

Wellens. He put the kick through They have beaten a St Helens. That

is what matters in these parts. And they are now in the semi-final of

the Carnegie Challenge Cup. One step away from a return to Wembley

Stadium. St Helens are denied up a semi-final for the first time in 12

years. Wigan have stop them getting there. Not a vintage game, but a

victory for Wigan. They have beaten You can share your thoughts on that

match by e-mailing us. We will get as much a reaction as Lee Camp on

BBC One, but we will carry on on the red button. Let's get some

reaction. A deserved win for Wigan. They were too strong on the day. It

was difficult for St Helens to play the way that they wanted to play.

Defensively, Wigan were too strong. They got forward far too easily. In

at the second half, Saints at most of the possession, but it was not

enough. Unfortunately, they could not get any leverage in the ruck

area. St Helens got quite a few breaks in the game, but they could

not finish it off. Man of the Match is Brett Finch and he is talking to

us now. Congratulations. What was there a secret to your success

today? Just the desire to win the game. Obviously, execution was not

great, we kept are dropping the ball. You do not start very well,

did St Helens take you by surprise? Not really. They put us under some

pressure. But our desire to work for each other made the difference.

Top we three you try. I do not know what happened there. -- talk me

through. We still have some work to do. But getting down to the last

four it gives us a chance. It will be another tough run. Well done.

just want to say hello to my family who are watching at home. There

were times during the game when we were not good with the ball.

the important thing to keep some of their key men quiet? Yes, if you

let them do what they want, you can get into trouble. It was not a

vintage quarter-final in many respects, but the result is

everything? Yes, the winger is what counts. -- win. Thomas Leuluai is

here, beating a few scars -- carrying a few scars. How did you

come back from that's great start by St Helens? You just have to try

to get back in the game. It was a tough start. Do you think this will

be you here? You have got to be the big teams to win it. It is early

days. We have another big game to get to the final.

You can tell how much it matters to them. The players do not care about

style, they just want to get through to the semi-finals. Some of

the players have experienced Wembley, the thrill of it. This is

a great lesson for St Helens, they will learn a lot from this. They

have a lot of younger players. They have got two new coaches. Wigan's

experience help them to win the match. Credit to them. It looked as

if Wigan would run away with a match. But St Helens fought hard.

Let's have a look at Brett Finch's try. The pass is executed, giving

you Brett Finch a clear run. It took the game away from St Helens.

We are talking about an attacking player here. Wigan were strong

today. St Helens blew their opportunities, we get a good

vantage of the opportunities the had. -- to good advantage. He is

out of contract at the end of the season. Yes, and he is still single,

or not married anyway. He has played for a lot of big clubs. On

the back end of that, he has been instrumental in those clubs being

successful. But I do not think they could afford to lose Thomas Leuluai

and Brett Finch. Players like playing with him because he

understands the game and makes you feel comfortable around him.

Helens had their chances. There were a couple of good breaks in the

second half. Let's have a look at turned the world class players and

defenders inside out. He has made the base of the break. This is as

good as anything we have seen in the game from Makinson. And he

makes sure he gets his man down. And nearly breaking through, his

opponent. You have got to take these opportunities on both sides.

Wigan took their chances. Saints Wigan took their chances. Saints

had chances but did not take them and that is the difference. A we

have got more to discuss but we will do that on the red button. We

will do that on the red button. We will hear from the team. And

will hear from the team. And tomorrow... Manchester will have a

particular interest in doubt because Manchester United, or

Manchester City will be champions. Manchester City will be champions.

And the great Manchester run. If you enjoyed today, we have got a

real treat tomorrow with Catalan against Warrington's and this is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

what happened when they met last The end. We will be there tomorrow.

We will have the draw for the semi- finals as well. And into that,

Wigan and Leeds. Catalan, Warrington, London? We will find

out. Plenty of reaction already on Twitter. It was a shame it was a

one-sided match, one listener says. One said he had not seen a

defensive display like it. He said they tackled really hard, Wigan.

More from them on the red button. But one thing to clear up and that