9′ First ball, first try for Wigan
The Dragons who had been dominating territorially for 10 minutes were surprised by Wigan. It all started with a magnificent offload from Junior Nsemba on the 40m line. Jai Field was in support, the full-back finished his run under the posts.
4′ Kick-off directly recovered by the Dragons
Kick-off indirectly into touch, the Dragons recover the ball.
3′ Mike McMeeken concedes drop goal
César Rougé lets a seemingly easy ball slip away. Jake Wardle extends it with his foot but Mike McMeeken, attentive, gives a big kick into the back of the pitch.
0′ It’s on at Gilbert-Brutus!
Chris Kendall blows the whistle, Arthur Mourgue kicks off.
Wigan well equipped
The Warriors made the trip fully loaded. Encouraged by more than 1500 cherry and white supporters, Matt Peet fielded one of his best teams. Kaide Ellis and Bevan French (no less) return to the starting XIII. Only Brad O’Neill is not there and Kruise Leeming starts in the starting lineup.
An imperial need for victory
Imperative, essential… in any case, victory today against opponent Wigan is mandatory. Relegated to 7th place by Leigh a little earlier, the Dragons need confidence as much as points as the end of the season approaches.
Already in a bad way in the final sprint, Steve McNamara’s men will face Salford next weekend then will host the London Broncos before finishing on the ground of Hull FC. Every point will count in this final straight if the Catalans Dragons want to give themselves the right to play in the play-offs.
Dragons face big challenge against Wigan
Against Wigan, the Catalans Dragons are playing big, very big even. This afternoon, the Leigh Leopards achieved the feat of winning against Warrington. Adrian Lam’s men who were hot on the heels of the 6 qualifying teams and in particular the Dragons are therefore provisionally sixth, relegating the Catalans Dragons to 7th position.