Arron Lindop scored a try in each half as a youthful Warrington Wolves edged out Toulouse in a pulsating final game of the regular season to clinch third spot in the Super League table and a home eliminator against Hull KR. The 26-14 win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium was secured only after a late surge, with the visitors having led on three separate occasions before the home side's younger players took control of an increasingly feisty contest.
Toulouse bossed possession and territory in the first period and twice led, but a classy early Paul Ulberg try in the corner was cancelled out by Lindop's simple score. The winger's first try came after Warrington pounced on a defensive error, and it levelled the match after Ulberg had finished sharply in the corner for the away side. Toulouse had started brightly, moving the ball with purpose, and their early pressure forced Warrington into mistakes. But the Wolves, fielding a side with several young players given game time ahead of the play-offs, showed composure to stay in touch.
And although Mathieu Pons touched down after a great catch from a high kick, Lachlan Webster went over after a slick team move to make it 8-8 at the break. Pons had given Toulouse the lead for a second time, rising highest to claim a well-weighted kick and scoring under the posts. Warrington's response was immediate and impressive, with Webster finishing a move that started deep inside their own half. The try was created by sharp passing and good support play, and it ensured the sides went in level at half-time.
Romeo Tropis put the visitors ahead for a third time, but Wolves came again and their spirit, bravery and quality controlled the latter stages of an increasingly feisty game. Tropis's try came shortly after the restart and looked to have given Toulouse a platform to push for a shock win. But Warrington's response was clinical. Max Wood, Lindop and Josh Smith all crossed and the home side saw out a memorable win despite Charlie McKler being sin-binned for a huge hit on Tropis.
Wood's try came from close range after a period of sustained pressure, with the young forward forcing his way over from dummy half. Lindop's second try of the afternoon was his most impressive, the winger reading a loose pass and racing 60 metres to score. Smith's try sealed the win, the centre finishing a move that had stretched Toulouse's defence to its limit. McKler was shown a yellow card late on for a heavy challenge on Tropis, but by then the result was effectively decided.
The win means Warrington finish third in the Super League table, earning a home eliminator against Hull KR. The draw for the play-offs was confirmed after the final round of regular season fixtures, with the Wolves knowing that victory over the Robins would set up a semi-final against one of the top two sides. Toulouse, already relegated before this match, finished their season with a spirited display that offered little consolation for a difficult campaign.
Warrington's team selection had raised eyebrows before kick-off, with several first-choice players rested and a number of academy graduates handed starting spots. The gamble paid off, with the younger players impressing in a high-pressure game. Taylor-Wray started at fullback, with Webster, J Smith, Lindop and Thewlis making up the back line. Irwin and Hayes formed the half-back pairing, while Yates, Powell, Harrison, Holroyd and E Smith packed down in the forwards. McKler started in the second row, with Wood, McKinney, Hartill and Coop providing the interchange options.
Toulouse, who had already been relegated, named a strong side for their final match of the season. Polselli started at fullback, with Pons, Tropis, Jussaume and Ulberg in the three-quarters. Lacans and Rouge were the half-backs, with Belmas, Hands, Roumanos, O'Kane, Grossemy and Cator in the forwards. Marion, Chan, Butler and Garrigues were named on the bench. Referee Tom Grant officiated the match.
The game was played at a high tempo throughout, with both sides willing to move the ball and take risks. Toulouse's willingness to attack from deep caused Warrington problems in the first half, but the Wolves' superior fitness told in the final quarter. The home side's defence, which had been stretched at times, tightened considerably in the closing stages, and their ability to force errors from tiring opponents proved decisive.
According to Yahoo Sports.
