Wigan Warriors extended their winning run to 10 consecutive Super League victories with a commanding 48-18 victory over Toulouse Olympique at The Brick Community Stadium in Round 22 of the Betfred Super League.
The visitors made an early impact, with Paul Ulberg crossing for a try just four minutes in. Cesar Rouge converted to give Toulouse a 6-0 lead.
Wigan responded quickly. After Toulouse were penalised for tackling Bevan French off the ball, the Warriors worked through their set near the line. Zach Eckersley received the ball out wide from French, cut in and grounded the ball. Harry Smith converted to level at 6-6.
French's Individual Brilliance
On 18 minutes, Bevan French showed individual flair to extend Wigan's advantage. After shrugging off two tackles and evading the Toulouse defence, he crashed over close to the posts. Smith's conversion made it 12-6.
Wigan added a third try shortly after. Following a ball steal by Joe Cator, the Warriors moved the ball left, with George O'Loughlin sending Liam Marshall over. Smith converted for 18-6.
Toulouse hit back with two tries in quick succession. Romeo Tropis grounded a kick played behind the line, and Cesar Rouge converted. Minutes later, Rouge himself scored from a grubber kick that Harry Smith failed to collect, with Rouge converting his own effort to level at 18-18.
Hodkinson and Second-Half Dominance
Noah Hodkinson restored Wigan's lead with a try two minutes before half-time, sending the Warriors in 24-18 ahead at the break.
Wigan took control after the interval. Zach Eckersley got them going early in the second half, before Sam Eseh Jr crashed over to extend the lead. Despite Brad O'Neill being sent to the sin bin on 55 minutes, Warriors held firm during the 10-minute deficit period.
Jai Field finished a Bevan French break and chip to make it 42-18. Liam Marshall added an acrobatic try out wide, with Smith converting to complete a perfect kicking display and seal the 48-18 result.