I agree with the comments on here re the changing line speed and the huge advantage that is giving teams. Yes Warringtons line speed was noticeably faster then ours and it really hampered our first and 2nd receivers, and probably our game plan too.
So it’s clearly a really key tactic.
If Wire were faster than us, when we played Saints a few games ago they were on a different level. They were literally sprinting to meet our line at our play the ball. They kept it going for the 80 too, so their fitness levels have to be very high to maintain that.
I just think that Holbrook has really pushed this key change with Saints and they are leading the way.
These days more than ever If you can’t match your oppositions line speed your in for a tough day at the office.
And Saints have set the benchmark we all have to match.

[/quote]As you say Sneyd was kicking a lot from inside our own half due to our lack of yardage in possession but i wouldnt say he was kicking under pressure[/quote]
Sneyd was constantly under pressure, he was flattened at least 3 times, one of which should have resulted in a penalty, the rest of the time Wire players were rushing up to him. Skinny 10 and they took full advantage.

wasn't to disappointed over loss,maybe too many errors.better side won.we have a tremendous record winning semis.5 on the bounce,law of averages say you will lose one eventually.

I was genuinely surprised at how we (Wire) played on Saturday given our truly abysmal showings the previous 2 weeks.
Price has obviously drilled into them the game plan - kicking game, strong chase and big efforts to restrict meters in tackles 1 to 3 based on line speed and numbers, BUT fair play to Hull. You took chances when they came and we never really looked like we'd shake you off until the final try. Ratu showed great speed and stood up our defence like a kipper, and the Kelly kick was top draw.
Radford pointed out the deficiency - high kick defence - and I can well understand his frustration if you'd been working on it all week.

I counted the wrong calls by the ref and I saw 4 that went against you - including the Shawl break which I didn't think was a knock on. There was 1 against us. I've counted worse but even so...

Onward and upward.

I actually am In 2 mins about getting to Wembley. Depends which Wire turn up.
We could get totally stuffed.
You may yet have the last laugh.

Good luck in the final.

Have Saints ever played Wire in a Challenge cup final, I don’t recall.