This time, Sam Tomkins will no longer be on the pitch. Six months after bringing down St Helens at the last minute in the Super League semi-finals (12-6), thanks to the former English full-back, the Dragons find their best enemy for the shock of the 7th day of the Championship as a bonus time (9:05 p.m. on Live Team 2). “This meeting has become a titanic meeting in the calendar,” admitted coach Steve McNamara at a press conference, “it feels like a derby. »
A timely confrontation between the two clubs in good form, co-leaders of the Super League. St Helens, who will appear in a packed Gilbert-Brutus stadium (11,000 people), has just dominated Wigan (12-4) when the Dragons brought down Warrington, in England, by scoring 6 tries (24-32). “Our defensive performance was not up to par,” says McNamara. We have to improve our level of play this weekend and that’s what we’re going to do. »
Often imperfect since the start of the season, sometimes in attack, sometimes in defense, the “Dracs” however demonstrate formidable efficiency – only one defeat at Leeds – on an accounting level despite the numerous changes in the off-season and in particular a new hinge Fages – Abdull, the replacement of star Sam Tomkins at the back, or even the regular injured.
“To win titles, you have to be able to win in any stadium, against anyone”
This Saturday evening, facing the Saints armada led by Alex Walmsley, Jonny Lomax, Jack Welsby and where Daryl Clark replaced James Roby, McNamara will be able to count on the return of half Théo Fages (calf) who returns to his former club and from the back Arthur Mourgue (torn hamstring) absent during the last two meetings, even if he will have to do without several key players (Bousquet, McIlorum, Dezaria, Nikorima, Sironen). The strength of the Dragons is precisely to have a more complete squad this season.
“To win titles, you have to be able to win in any stadium, against anyone,” continued the coach, while his team remains on three wins against the Saints. Saturday night will be different with kickoff at 9:05 p.m. But we are ready. »
For this shock refereed by Liam Moore, the referee who officiated during the two defeats in the Super League finals, the Dragons will have the honors of BBC prime time for the first time.
