Sia Soliola is back on his feet and back on the field. No serious harm done.

A mass of bodies attempt to claim a high bomb and Matty Bowen gets there first, but the Wigan full-back knocks on. Head and feed to Saints 10 metres out. From the first play, Sia Soliola cops one to the head and remains on the ground.

For a side with 12 men, Wigan are playing with enormous energy. They can't keep this up, can they?

Chance gone for the Warriors as Sean O'Loughlin tries to kick through from the play-the-ball and only prods it into a wall of Saints defenders.

Injured St Helens forward Jon Wilkin told BBC Radio 5 live about head coach Nathan Brown's half-time team talk:

"He said we need a bit more composure, we had a frustrating first half with control of the ball.

"It was an aggressive start to the match, it set the tone, but we thrive in a tough physical match."

Andy in Darwen: Ben Flower should be charged for that punch, Duncan Ferguson served time for his on-field head butt and this is as equally bad.

David Dean in London: Flower deserved red but Hohaia was the instigator and should have seen yellow. Come on Wigan.

Maureen in Chester: I support Wigan but that was disgraceful from Ben Flower.

Blake Green's high kick is fumbled by Mark Percival and Wigan have six more tackles 20 metres out.

Not the start St Helens wanted. They decide to run the ball on the last tackle and the play is easily turned over.

Image source, PA

Have you got your breath back? Both teams are back out and ready to go at it again.

Rugger Tyke:, external Think Ben Flower lives to the spirit of sport's most bitter rivalry.

Thomas Stirk:, external Saints have been shocking but Wigan's defence has been wonderful. Would be one of the all-time great wins if they hang on.

Ken Smith:, external Game overshadowed by a senseless attack by Flower, which will do the sport's image no good at all.

Ben Keen:, external You wonder how accidental the punch on Hohaia was - only fit half-back taken out in second minute.

Ben Flower still the number one trend in the UK, keep on sending us your thoughts on the Wigan prop's actions this evening.

Television viewers have also been taken inside both dressing rooms. Nathan Brown looked quite calm as he addressed his St Helens players, while Wigan coach Shaun Wane appeared much more animated.

Rob Burrow
Leeds half-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Obviously the big guys want to get on top. That is the wrong way to do it. You do not realise Wigan are a man down at the moment but the toil could tell. You hope it doesn't but it is a long 40 minutes.

"St Helens are making too many mistakes. It is usually the team that is the most patient that wins but they have made too many errors in the final moments which gives Wigan a break.

"And as you saw from the penalty they gave away in the final moments, the errors are costing them dearly."

Image source, Getty Images

The incident that resulted in Ben Flower's red card has been shown again on television. The replays are not any kinder to the Wales prop. Lance Hohaia clashed with Flower beforehand off the ball, but Flower's response is inexcusable. Two punches to the head of the New Zealand international? He had to go.

George Riley
BBC Radio 5 live commentator

"Once he gets the ball he knows how to finish. What a season the teenager Joe Burgess has had. I think it is fair to say he knows where the try line is. Can Wigan see it through?"

Nathan Middleton
BBC Sport at Old Trafford

"Big grins from all the Wigan fans to the left of the press box at half-time.

"The Warriors head coach Shaun Wane, wearing a protective boot because of an Achilles injury, looked visibly relieved his team scored the first try of the night.

"Saints counterpart Nathan Brown needs to get stuck into his side as they are struggling to break down the Wigan defence despite the extra man."

What did you make of that first half? And who are your favourites now? Can 12-man Wigan hold on to their 6-2 lead, or will Saints roar back to give head coach Nathan Brown the perfect send off?

Text 81111 or use #bbcrl, external on Twitter.

Wow. What a first half at Old Trafford. A moment of madness from Ben Flower is followed by a resolute Wigan display and a try to remember for youngster Joe Burgess.

Image source, Getty Images

Who writes Wigan's scripts? Down to 12 men after two minutes, but they will go into half-time of the Grand Final with a lead. What a moment for teenage winger Joe Burgess, who slides in at the corner and leaps in delight before being engulfed by his team-mates. Matty Smith is wide with a tough conversion, but the Warriors head down the tunnel with a spring in their step and a four-point advantage.

Ray French
BBC Radio Merseyside

"You have to give credit to Wigan for holding St Helens with 12 men.

"But Saints are hamstrung in the middle with no half-backs. They have lost their only natural half-back in Lance Hohaia."

George Riley
BBC Radio 5 live commentator

"[Wigan coach] Shaun Wane is heading down to the touchline. I would pay to hear what he has to say at half-time. He was absolutely fuming with Ben Flower when he got sent off for his two punches."