Challenge Cup 2013: Breaking Down Biggest Contenders in Tournament

The Challenge Cup fairy tale is over. It was heartbreak for rugby fans worldwide as underdogs Sheffield Eagles succumbed to London Broncos 29-10 on Friday. It only served as a reminder of how strong the Super League teams are—basement-side Broncos still comfortably cruised past the Championship high-flyers to stay on course for the rather odd double of cup and relegation.

Now, just the big boys remain to fight it out for one of two spots in the Wembley final. But of these names, three contenders stand above the rest. And here they are...

 

Wigan Warriors

Simply put: the ones to beat. The Super League leaders are firmly in the hunt for the double and, with a home quarter-final against lowly Widnes Viking, the odds are firmly stacked in their favour.

Why they will win…No defence seems capable of stopping them. They boast the league’s top try scorers in Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley and continuously carve through the opposition's defence. They landed 46 points away to Hull Kingston Rovers in the last round in a display of ruthless tries, including four from Tomkins, and clinical kicking from Pat Richards.

But perhaps the area that makes Wigan so strong is their defence: the stingiest in the league. On the rare occasions their brutal attack doesn’t cause the scoreboard to malfunction, they grind out the victories, and that is what champions are made of.

Odds: 11-8

 

Warrington Wolves

Another Wembley final is within touching distance for the Challenge Cup holders. Less than a year after their impressive 35-18 victory over Leeds Rhinos to claim the title, Warrington have built a side capable of challenging for more major honours.

Why they will win…They are unbeaten since the middle of May, toppled favourites Wigan in the league just weeks ago and are still in the Super League mix as well. They have home advantage against Huddersfield and have already beaten them twice before. This team knows how to win and in Australian Joel Monaghan have a player capable of bursting through any team’s backline.

Their passage to the quarters has been emphatic—running in scores of 60, 74 and 52 in their three recent appearances—and any assertion that this is Wigan’s title to lose will be met by fierce criticism from the Warrington camp. Key to their success will be their defensive work, but as they’ve only let 20 points past them in a single match once since April, they are in the right shape.  

Odds: 2-1

 

Catalan Dragons

Flying the flag for France are the Catalan Dragons. New boy Morgan Escare ran in three tries during their 92-8 fifth-round win over York City Knights and looks to be the sort of player who can light up the tournament’s latter stages. Now it’s his chance to prove himself on the big stage.

Why they will win…Whilst they’ve struggled to hit form in the league this year, their performances in the cup have been breathtaking. Questions remain over how they will respond when truly pushed by Super League opposition. They will get a fierce test from Hull FC in their quarter-final.

In Ian Henderson they have a player who will put his body in the line, making tackle after tackle, and in the cup it’s as important to have your big hitters on form as it is the Escare’s of the team. The home fans will be vitally important in the remainder of the competition, and if they can create a special atmosphere against Hull, maybe the Challenge Cup will be returning to France.

Odds: 7-1

 

Odds provided courtesy of William Hill and correct as of 13th July.