Rush - Saints lacked killer touch

Mike Rush believes St Helens lacked a killer touch in their Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat by bitter rivals Wigan.

Full-back Paul Wellens gave Saints an early lead at the DW Stadium but Wigan hit back with tries from Sam Tomkins and Sean O'Loughlin to go in 12-4 ahead at the break. Brett Finch's brilliant solo effort sealed the victory for the holders and denied Saints a 12th successive semi-final appearance.
Rush was proud of his side's defensive effort but bemoaned their decision-making in attack.
"The last play options weren't great but they weren't a big influence on the game. I don't mind them running the ball; ideally you want a repeat set, but you have to give the players the chance to come up with plays they think will work," said the acting head coach.
"But offensively we weren't the smartest and you aren't going to beat a great competitive team like that. Look at Tommy Makinson's break. Of course Wigan's job is to slow it down and we have been sin-binned for that this season, but you have to finish those breaks - like the Paul Wellens break - to beat a team like Wigan."
The 18-4 defeat means Saints, who lifted the trophy four times between 2004-2008, will have to wait for another trip to Wembley.