Play-Off Review #2 - One Finger, One Thumb, Keep Moving

In his pre-match interview, Catalans Head Coach Steve McNamara presented as someone with extreme confidence that his side would progress to the Super League semi-finals.

That confidence was well-placed. Shortly after one minute into the game and having being tackled just once, Sam Tomkins cut through the Leeds defence, backed up by Tom Davies to give Catalans a stunning start. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Catalans had opened up an 18 point lead.

Catalans played with an intensity I do not recall seeing from them before. Even during their successful cup run of 2018, the side did not display such a ruthless attitude. They chased every kick like their lives depended on it, their line speed was intense. Their kick pressure on Luke Gale was immense. They were determined not to allow Gale to take control as he did in Leeds' Challenge Cup Semi Final success against Wigan.

Sometimes this intensity was to Catalans' own detriment. On one occasion, they forced Leeds to shift the ball on the last tackle and their line speed and kick pressure left space for Rhyse Martin, although Catalans scrambled well to diffuse it.

One moment of contrast was particularly stark. In the opening quarter, Leeds worked space for Tom Briscoe who raced to the corner. He was met by four or five Catalans players who ambushed him towards the sideline, forcing Briscoe into a desperate pass, which landed in the arms of David Mead who broke. 

Contrast this to Catalans last game against Salford. Some of their defensive efforts were awful. None more so than when Fouad Yaha seemingly gave up on narrowing the angle for a Salford conversion and allowed Krisnan Inu to scoot under the posts.

On reflection, the first 20 minutes was when the game was won. It is hard to criticise Leeds too. They played well in the first half, did create some chances and were determined not to let the Catalans pack get on top of them. They deserved their late first half try through Alex Sutcliffe and did well to remain in the game.

The second half was quite different. The speed of the first half could not be maintained and this gave way for a more attritional second half. Leeds didn't go away, but Catalans always held them at an arm's length.

Leeds will be disappointed by their early season end. But they reflect positively on a vast improvement compared to 2019, which has returned a major trophy.

What will frustrate Catalans is that their first half controlled aggression gave way to the 'old Catalans' indisciplined way. Michael McIlorum was fortunate to remain on the field for a stiff arm to the head of Brad Dwyer. He may receive a ban for this. Although he made a ban inevitable by attempting to drag a bloodied Brad Dwyer to his feet, whilst clearly injured, following a blow to the head.

McIlorum seemingly did this to avoid his high tackle avoiding the video referee's eye being cast over the incident. However, when a player has taken a blow to the head, dragging the man is an act of unacceptable recklessness. An act that will likely see him sit out of the rest of Catalans season.

Catalans, in the form of Joel Tomkins, compounded this incident with a further act of foul play later in the match. Sky Sports seemed embarrassed to describe what he did on air. This translated into print media too, with both the BBC and Sky choosing not to mention it. I will mention it. Joel Tomkins placed his finger up Richie Myler's rectum.

In an era where players can be subjected to quite fervent criticism for accidental crusher tackles, it is wrong that we are mealy-mouthed when it comes to acts such as this. Tomkins committed a disgraceful act and deserves the inevitably lengthy ban which should stretch well into 2021.

After a near-perfect first half, Catalans allowed their indiscipline to sour their win. They also will lose two key players, needlessly, ahead of next week's semi-final against St Helens.

If they are to make their first ever Grand Final, they will have to do it as underdogs. But Catalans seem to prefer that position. Bring on next week's action!

****

Whilst you're here...do check out our other blog, 'Crossed Wires', reviewing the other play-off encounter between Warrington and Hull FC.

LINK: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/11/play-off-review-1-crossed-wires.html