Challenge Cup 2013 Results: Semifinal Romp Makes Wigan Favourites for Title

Having won the Challenge Cup a record 18 times during the club’s history, Wigan Warriors are on the verge of adding to the dynasty which them makes them one of, if not the most respected side in European Rugby League.

With Warrington Wolves and Hull FC set to fight for the one remaining spot in the final this weekend, the Warriors will almost certainly hope it’s the latter they come up against considering their Super League standing at mid-table.

However, Shaun Wane’s team are capable of overcoming just about anyone when they field a full, fit and healthy side, including the Wolves.

Wigan recently lost their first-place standing in Super League after slipping up to St. Helen’s away from home.

Coincidentally, the 70-0 thrashing Wigan handed London Broncos in their semifinal is the biggest in the finals of a Challenge Cup since 2005, when St. Helens Saints thumped none other than Wigan 75-0 in the quarter-finals of that particular edition.

What's more, Wigan's win over the Broncos produced the biggest points difference for a Challenge Cup semi-final in the history of the tournament.

Resident Warrior, Ben Flower, was quick to express his joy at the recent victory over Twitter:

However, putting all superstition or fate to one side, the Warriors must be considered favourites to win this year’s competition at Wembley in late August, a sentiment shared by the bookmakers-but only just.

Against the Broncos, Wane’s men produced 12 tries, but more important was the fact that they were scored by no less than 10 different players, with only Pat Richards and Josh Charnley registering two apiece.

To be able to count on that many of your stars to produce an attacking threat is an incredible boon to any side, and allows Sam Tomkins, the reigning Man of Steel, to sometimes take a backseat instead of a starring role.

The Broncos are far from the strongest opposition Wigan will have to face, but they remain a side of Super League quality. While that may not be the case for too much longer, it still speaks volumes that the Warriors can produce an utter shutout of such opponents, restricting even a penalty goal.

If it is Warrington that Wigan face in the final, it will be the Challenge Cup final that everyone is hoping for.

The reigning champions and second-highest scorers in the 2013 Super League season take on the most attractive rugby league side in the world and highest scorers in the division.

The Wire were the last side to win the Challenge Cup two seasons in a row, doing so in 2009 and then 2010. With Australian Joel Monaghan leading their charge, the Wolves are arguably just as well equipped to do so again by adding the 2013 title to the one they currently hold.

However, with a young, fit Warriors pack ready to set up shop at Wembley, either Hull FC or the Wolves will have an almighty battle for territory on their hands, and they won’t be favourites to come out on top.