Judder Man wrote:
I wouldn’t say Saints are in a run of form, OK they have won 5 out 5 but in reality they have had to defend for very long spells and the opposition have not responded to Saints counter attack.
They have had a good pre season and concentrated on passing skills, other teams are perhaps not at the same team condition to compete for 80 mins.
Wigan are similiar in playing a game of 2 halves, both teams only putting on more points in the second half.
I'd pretty much agree with this...
Saints have won 5/5 so far but (Cas game aside) have had to defend their line for large parts of the Wire/Hudds/Cats game and were in a battle for first half vs Salford. We have got away with it so far (and tbf our defence has looked very good when tested) but you get the feeling doing the same against likes of Leeds or Wigan would be more costly.
All in all, I think this team is the best Saints have had for possibly 10 years - including the coach - and would fully expect us to make finals/win silverware this year with the squad we have got. However, no trophies are handed out 5 games in and still a long way to go. Yes we are playing the style of rugby like Saints of old - and I think a lot of us had forgotten what that looked like after a few years the KC way - but still a long way to go in terms of a successful season.
I also think our next 4 games - Leeds, Hull KR away (our annual play like turd usually comes here), Wigan and then Widnes away Easter Monday will give a far better indication of where Saints are at this year. If we are 9/9 after Easter Monday then there is more case to get a bit carried away with how well we are playing and winning...but for now with some big games to come, I'm not counting any chickens yet (personally)
