I feel that this is a bridge too far for the French outfit - although they acquitted themselves extremely well against Wakefield it did take them awhile to get into that game.
They seemed to be frightened to try anything and if they go into this game they will lose.
Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown will be very happy that he has Scott Moore and Keith Mason back. They will add even more to their impact and I think will swing the game in their favour.
Mason: more muscle for Giants
Scott Moore is a very talented player who controls things from dummy half while Keith Mason is one of their key grunt men.
Huddersfield know they have got the three quarter power to do it with Brett Hodgson in such fine form this season. Luke Robinson was a little bit non-descript last week though mainly due to the fact that they were getting hammered by the Saints forwards. The return of Mason and Moore should help them a lot in that area.
I think Brown will go all out in the first twenty minutes to wrap the game up. If Catalans start the same way they started against Wakefield last week then they have no chance of progressing
Stevo
Quotes of the week
Giants v Dragons
7.30pm, Fri, Sky Sports 2 & HD2
I think Brown will go all out in the first twenty minutes to wrap the game up. If Catalans start the same way they started against Wakefield last week then they have no chance of progressing.
Home advantage will also swing things in the favour of Huddersfield and I am expecting a bumper crowd. This is a chance for Huddersfield fans to show their faith - they have been very good all season, off course they would be disappointed by the loss at Wembley but they have to put that to one side. They know they have got the best defence in Super league.
I said earlier that Hodgson has had a fantastic season, but he is liable to come up with an error or two - not often but it could be the one that gives Catalans a sniff.
The French outfit have the wonderful ability to score tries quickly. We saw them score three tries in eight minutes which totally changes the face of the game against Wakefield
Key man
Mason is the key - they have missed him and when it comes to crunch games like this you need some grunt and he is the player to give it. He is not going to make a break and run thirty minutes for a try but his hard work sucks in the defence like bees to the honey pot.
Stevo says
I think the Giants will be looking to blitz Catalans as quickly as possible. Both sides have had long , tough seasons so fatigue may play it's part here - but I just can't see Catalans getting up for this game. For me Huddersfield will sneak it.
Comments (10)
- Page 1 of 1
- 1
Lucien Fa says...
Not a good thing to discount the Catalans. They have proved they can beat any team anytime anywhere. Sorry Giants but you weren't good enough for the Dragons who,may I remind all, have just given a spanking three times in a row to english teams away. Kevin knows.
Posted 05:01 27th September 2009
Ric Pickles(rhinos) says...
I have no qualms about the excellence the giants have shown this year in both their defense and also attack, You get dirty tackles in every game by every team but the worst by a long shot are Wigan and especially o'loughlin who constantly has his elbows in the faces of his opponents every tackle, good luck to giants this weekend lets make it an all Yorkshire final.
Posted 15:46 25th September 2009
Graham Taylor says...
Shaun you must be a Wakey or Cas fan who believes all the hype that radio leeds give you. Look at the stats, Catalan are the worst team in the league for penalties. Just because your team who are at best mediocre have gone out. Get real and support a good side.
Posted 12:02 25th September 2009
Warren Clayton says...
If we are a dirty side then why are we not the worst team in super league for giving away penalties. Looks like sour grapes from some people as Huddersfield are not the whipping boys anymore. Go Giants
Posted 11:24 25th September 2009
James The giant says...
Don't know how many Giants games you've matched this season Shaun Moorcroft, but we are far from a dirty side. Phil Clarke, Paul Cullen, and more experts have looked at our much commented on tackling and all agree we tackle no differently to other Super League teams, we just do it better.
Posted 11:10 25th September 2009
Katharine Harrison says...
Shaun if your comment about Huddersfield being "a very dirty side" were true then we'd be the most penalised side in the competition. That's not true though is it, I believe that honour goes to the Catalans!! Stop listening to the hype from coaches who are annoyed that Huddersfield are doing so well this season and actually watch the game, they really aren't doing anything different to other sides. Or watch Boots n all from this week where they respond to Kevin Walters claims and say what rubbish they are!!
Posted 10:31 25th September 2009
Shaun Elliott says...
Catalans calling Huddersfield a dirty side - don't make me laugh! Every side tries to slow the game down and Huddersfield are, generally speaking, good at it. They all work hard both at their line speed so they can team tackle opponents and when they peel off to get back into the defensive line. That has paid dividends all season and enabled them, and rightly so, to reach the challenge cup final and finish in third place in the league. Good, honest rugby league. Fantastic! As for Catalans, when they played at Huddersfield they seemed to concentrate more on taking people out with late and off the ball cheap shots. How Bird did not receive a ban for his late tackle on Brett Hodgson, like Lunt's Wembly "No try" I will never know. As I said, Catalans calling Huddersfield dirty, don't make me laugh!
Posted 09:50 25th September 2009
Richard Walker says...
Get real Shaun what a silly comment that is. the tackling and tactics used to try to slow the play the ball down used by Huddersfield are no different to anyone else's. This is obviously a tactic of Walters to try to influence the way the ref approaches the game. It won't matter anyway - c'mon you Giants.
Posted 09:22 25th September 2009
Shaun Moorcroft says...
kevin walters is right and catalans arent the first team to comment on huddersfield tackling. they are a very dirty side
Posted 15:58 24th September 2009
David Brook says...
I hope your right about the result Stevo anything to teach Mr Walters we dont want Ferguson style head games in this sport, if you cant get the job done Mr Walters without resorting to those tactics then please leave and sod off back to Aus
Posted 15:54 24th September 2009
- Page 1 of 1
- 1
Recent Comments:
John Barritt on Rough and tumble
"I just hope your continued enthusiasm rubs off on the team Stevo! I think they owe us all a big game as I can't face the disappointment yet again. Come on England!... " 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
Keith Booaza on Giants steps
"Given your rubbishpredictions so far this season Stevo ;) I can honestly see a Leeds fightback on Saturday and a massive win to them. You don't become a bad team overnight if you've won... " View all comments
Liam Oates on A fitting tribute
"I think this week will be an especially gruelling test for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats due to the loss of a great up and coming superstar who I knew personally from his junior rugby ... " View all comments
Steve Wilkinson on Saints' grand designs
"I watch rugby league every week and keep up with as much news as I can about the sport on Sky Sports. I have been looking at Stevo's blogs on a regular basis this year and every single ... " View all comments
Steven Bromley on Tooth and nail
"I would like to add that I have been living in Australia for the past year and managed to catch a lot of rugby league games here especially that of Melbourne Storm. I also managed to go... " View all comments