Anderson states case for the defence

8:46am Thursday 15th May 2008

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THE exhilarating open rugby that is Saints' trademark may have provided thrilling entertainment in recent weeks, but it is his team's vulnerable defending that is causing coach Daniel Anderson concern.

With Saints having leaked 34 points in the Challenge Cup win over Warrington, Anderson said this week that some "players would be getting a kick up the backside" in training.

The coach is aiming for his team to eradicate the defensive lapses and missed tackles that contributed to the free-scoring cup win, when Saints take on a vastly-improved Catalans Dragons (kick-off 6pm) on Saturday evening.

He said: "I have watched the game back a couple of times and technically we gave a very mixed performance against Warrington, we were very good in some areas but very poor in others. We have some players who are going to get a kick up the backside this week.

"We missed more tackles and conceded more errors (than we should), but I thought we took our opportunities in attack. I think we can tighten our game a bit, that is for sure."

Formidable Anderson believes the Super League competition has taken on a greater attacking philosophy in recent seasons, but added that the crucial factor in deciding cup and play-off games will be to have a watertight defence.

He added: "It is difficult to score 30 points in a game, so if you need to score that amount of points to win a game - a situation which we have been in three or four times this season - then you put yourself in a real hole over the course of the season.

"I'd rather see us score 20 and win a game. To score 34 and lose would be a bitter pill to swallow, and we don't want to be in a position where we are scoring 30 points and still losing games."

Meanwhile, third-placed Saints are likely to be without forward Maurie Fa'asavalu, who aggravated an ankle injury at the weekend, when they attempt to leapfrog a second-placed Catalans side, coached by Mick Potter, who will be Anderson's successor at Knowsley Road.

Anderson says he is expecting a tough battle, with the French outfit bringing a formidable forward pack to town.

He said: "Catalans have improved tremendously during the three years they have been in Super League. It is a tough part of the season now, you can't sniff any of the play-offs so it is a bit of a grind, but if the weather stays nice you know you will get entertaining rugby."

It will be intriguing to see the reception Potter will receive at the home of the club he will take the coaching reins of next year. However, Anderson played a dead bat to suggestions the match would lead to comparisons being drawn between Saints' current and future coaches.

He said: "Our aim is go past Catalans and keep winning games. There is nothing between the coaches.

"Mick's appointment is a good decision from the club. He has shown his capabilities in the last couple of seasons with Catalans and I am sure he will fit in here."

Paul Sculthorpe also has a chance of being included in the squad after returning to training following a lay-off with a chest muscle injury.