Super League / 7th day. Despite the success against Toulouse Olympique (33-26), the Dragons regretted the 26 points conceded. A sector where there is still much to be done.
It is often said that games are won through defense. But on Saturday night, in the French derby, the Catalans emerged victorious while leaving many points behind (26). An unfinished taste and a bitter feeling that assistant coach Ryan Sheridan did not hesitate to criticize. “It remains a frustrating match. Yes, we scored a lot of points, but we also conceded a lot.” Despite the success, the assistant coach remains realistic. “We are still satisfied with taking the two points even if the performance is far from sufficient.”
Looking closer at the numbers, the observation is clear.
The Dragons have conceded an average of 23 points per match in the last three games (Toulouse, Hull FC, Hull KR). These statistics highlight defensive shortcomings that have been present since the beginning of the season. “The group is aware of it and will have to be better in the future,” criticized Joel Tomkins’ assistant. And this defensive task has concrete consequences on the style of play. The weaknesses force the Dragons to constantly react and rely more on the attack to compensate.
The Dodd-Sexton duo often had to double their efforts to balance the game, offsetting the gaps through offensive plays, and it was only in the last fifteen minutes that the match turned around. The late timing is not enough to cover up an underlying issue which is the lack of consistency. “This is not the best match we have played. We made mistakes and put ourselves in difficulty from the start,” acknowledged winger Léo Darrélatour, who scored his second brace of the season. The Dragons had to patiently endure when Toulouse dictated the pace, forcing the red and gold team to multiply defensive efforts.
These situations created exploitable spaces and moments of vulnerability, revealing that defensive solidity is far from certain. An irregularity that emphasizes a central issue for the future. The constant exposure also has a physical cost. Indeed, for the third consecutive time, the Dragons paid a heavy price with Josh Allen exiting due to concussion protocol. These absences weaken the team and further complicate the rotation of the pack and back lines.
Analyzing the Catalan performance, the feeling remains ambivalent. The glass can be seen as half empty or half full. Half empty because the defense remains too permeable, putting the team in critical situations repeatedly. Half full because this match nonetheless offers encouraging signs. The group showed its ability to react under pressure when the attack compensated for defensive shortcomings. These elements demonstrate that the Dragons have the resources to progress, learn from their mistakes, and turn weaknesses into opportunities. And less than a week away from the Challenge Cup quarter-final on St. Helens’s turf (Friday, 9 p.m.), these lessons take on a crucial dimension.
On the Totally Wicked Stadium field, defensive discipline must be maximal from the kick-off. Once again, the game leaders will play a central role. And if the weaknesses persist, they “could be costly,” warned Darrélatour. In other words, to hope to compete on Friday, they must lock the doors and give nothing to St. Helens, galvanized by their victory over Wigan (34-24).
Cozza and Zénon Cozza and Zénon gave solid performances in their respective games.
Romano injured Hull FC’s center, Arthur Romano, did not finish the derby against Hull KR due to an ankle injury and will undergo further tests to determine the extent of the sprain.
St DEZARIA St DEZARIA has yet to play with Hull KR and recently had a brief appearance against Wigan. Justin Sangaré has been consistent in York’s struggling team.
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