This Saturday evening the Dragons are falling from very high. Leaders of the Super League, the Catalans had identified the Cup as one of the big objectives of the season. But at home, Steve McNamara’s players did not exist in the quarter-finals, facing the offensive efficiency of Huddersfield (6-34).
Led 16-0 at half-time, after three tries from the Giants by full-back Jake Connor, Tui Lolohea and Adam Swift, the Perpignans once again conceded three additional goals (Sebastine Ikahihifo, Esan Marsters and Kevin Naiqama) and a penalty during the second act. The reduction of the score by Matt Ikuvalu in the 56th will be anecdotal.
A first hard blow
Beyond the defeat, and despite a few absences, it is the manner that worries us as the Dragons insisted on defense all week. This disillusionment is the first big blow of the season for the Dragons who have not managed to get past the quarter-final stage of this competition since their victory in 2018.
Benjamin Garcia’s partners will try to get their heads back on track with the reception of Hull KR next Saturday in the Super League.
