Jamie Jones-Buchanan
Leeds Rhinos second-rower on BBC Two

Halifax have been really unorthodox and have caused all kind of problems.

They have challenged St Helens for 40 minutes.

St Helens' Jonny Lomax tells BBC Two: "We've got to be patient, we've had a few opportunities and we've ended up in touch trying to push it too much.

"The wet conditions is not allowing us to go around them so we need to be a bit more through the middle, but Halifax are working hard."

Brian Noble
Ex-Great Britain coach on BBC Two

What a performance from Halifax. They are rolling their sleeves up, their effort, their concentration.

The only time they have let their concentration slip was when James Roby crossed.

The answer to that last question was nothing. A high ball is easily defused and St Helens survive to lead at the break.

What an incredible opening 40 minutes.

Into the final miniute and Halifax have a scrum in St Helens' half... what can they do?

Jonathan Davies
Former Great Britain international on BBC Two

One marker switches off, you can't allow the brilliant James Roby to do that in that much space.

You'd have good odds on that, 35 minutes for the first St Helens try, that just shows how well and hard Halifax have worked.

Just two minutes until half-time now.

Halifax have shown great professionalism and have not allowed that try to shake them in the slightest.

It is all pats on the back and encouraging words as they waited for that conversion to go over.

John Kear
Wales & Bradford Bulls coach on BBC Two

Image source, Rex Features

You've got to give Halifax a lot of credit - their effort level has been sensational, those guys in blue and white shirts are enjoying this occasion, those guys in red and white are feeling a little bit nervous.

Shaun Robinson is back peddling, little steps at a time to take a high bomb just metres out from his line.

The winger keeps his cool, Halifax are pinned back and have a big set coming up now to push St Helens back.

And they do... the ball is punted upfield but Saints come straight back at them.

St Helens are throwing it all at Halifax.

Kevin Naiqama bounces off one attempted tackle and carries on forward. The ball is then shifted left to where Saints must feel there is a weakness in Halifax's resistance.

Yet again, however, it comes to nothing as Saints knock-on. The sheer pressure put on in defence is enough to make Saints flinch.

Image source, Rex Features

Sure it was spectacular, but Tommy Makinson's effort does not count as he losses possession as he tries to get it down.

You want a snapshot of this first half, then that has to be it!

Halifax looked beaten for a split second, but their defence recovers to get across to deny one of rugby league's most lethal finishers.

Do we have that special moment?

We are going upstairs to watch replays as after winger Tommy Makinson dived over in the right corner...

Image source, Rex Features

We are just short of the 25-minute mark and Halifax, the side tipped by many not to have a chance today, are frustrating the life out of St Helens.

You feel it will take something special to breach the Fax today!

St Helens are over, surely. NO!

Somehow Alex Walmsley fails to control a short ball from James Roby as he crosses the line.

A golden chance wasted... Halifax well and truly let off there.

Mike Barnett: Great start by Halifax here. But look at the size of their lads. When I first started watching rugby league 40+ years ago all players were that size. Super League players these days are built like tanks.

Dan: This is superb by Fax, not sure if they can keep it up but right now they're hold their own.

Another big hit is dished out by Halifax, this time Adam Tangata gets a shot in and the ball is knocked loose as St Helens went probing for the first try of the game.

While it is another example of their defensive grit, an error costs the Championship side possession moments later.

Jon Wilkin
Toronto Wolfpack forward on BBC Two

Great start from Halifax, they have challenged St Helens mentally - they've tried something different, kicked the ball short and early, that's clearly disrupted St Helens' rhythm.

Ultimately we can see St Helens' physically, tactically and technically should be too good but you've got to credit Halifax for their imaginative start.

Halifax will be happy with how things are going so far.

Image source, Rex Features

St Helens' Regan Grace has space on the left, he has sight of the try line... but passage is firmly shut in the Wales international's face.

The cover defence is staggering. Not only is he hauled down as he is about to get going, but he is bundled into touch as the heavy artillery comes in to help.

Milly McEvoy
BBC Sport at University of Bolton Stadium

It's pretty even between the teams on the pitch so far and it's the same for the fans in the seats.

Even though Saints fans are outnumbering Halifax supporters by quite a way, Halifax are making a lot of noise.

They are also being helped out by the Warrington fans that have stayed who are booing anytime St Helens are on the ball.

Fax supporters have mainly been cheering their team's defensive efforts so far, it'll be interesting to hear what they sound like if Halifax have some attacking success.