The question ahead of this game is: are Bradford capable of challenging Wigan?
After witnessing a very feeble second half from them against Hull KR last weekend, I really fear for them - and think that they could be in for a huge thrashing against the in-form side.
Bradford coach Mick Potter would have kicked their backsides all week, saying their performances are just not good enough for Super League. And to be fair the way they capitulated last weekend, he has got a point. They were dropping the ball, missing tackles and had no idea where to be positionally - all round it was a very poor performance.
Tomkins: simply electric
The other thing that may save Bradford from a thrashing is that Wigan may have one eye on the Challenge Cup final a week on Saturday.
The Bulls simply have to tackle a lot better and get their defence sorted out, especially around the play-the-ball area. They need to shut Wigan down because the Warriors are very strong, especially from dummy-half. And when they have the ball, Bradford have to make sure that they don't try and barge their way through Wigan - that just won't work.
Adventurous
They have the likes of Gareth Raynor out wide, who is a great winger and who knows his way to the line. However if you don't give him the ball then he may as well sit down and twiddle his thumbs.
What may save Bradford from a thrashing is that Wigan may have one eye on the Challenge Cup final a week on Saturday.
Stevo
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They have got to start being a little more adventurous. Andy Lynch is also a very good player and does a lot of hard graft but then they go and throw all his effort away with a silly mistake.
Psychologically Bradford know that their chance for a top-eight spot has gone - they needed to win three out of their last four games and they know it is going to be a tall order against Wigan.
Wigan coach Michael Maguire will want to put Bradford to bed in the first 20 minutes or so - then he can rest key players like Sam Tomkins and Thomas Leuluai for Wembley. I think we will see Wigan really turn on the flair in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
Bradford really need to be up for this from the very first whistle - if they are not then I fear for them - they may get hammered big time.
STAR MAN: Sam Tomkins was just superb last week against Hull KR and scored four tries. If Bradford give him room to move then he could really make them pay.
STEVO SAYS: I expect Bradford to play a lot better and Mick Potter will demand it, however I just don't see them being capable of beating Wigan. I don't think it will be a thrashing, but that first 20 minutes is going to be crucial.
Recent Comments:
Matt Summersgill on The final eight
"Looks like you''ve lost your fiver Jamie. LOL I wouldnt put any money on the bulls grand final bet either mate. Come on you Rhinos 4 in a row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... " View all comments
Mark Holmes on Sole focus
"A good analysis from Stevo. I'm a Giants' fan and rate Hull KR very strongly indeed. They are structually strong, and play at an intensity which other teams have struggled to match. In ... " View all comments