Challenge Cup: Hull FC 4-36 Wigan Warriors
- Published
Coral Challenge Cup quarter-final |
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Hull FC (0) 4 |
Try: Fonua |
Wigan Warriors (26) 36 |
Tries: Powell, Farrell 2, French 2, Burgess, Gildart Goals: Hardaker 4 |
Wigan's first-half blitz of tries saw off Hull FC, completing the semi-final line-up in this season's Challenge Cup.
Wigan, who last won the competition in 2013, went 16-0 up with scores from Sam Powell, Liam Farrell and Bevan French.
And Hull hopes were punctured further at Salford's AJ Bell Stadium when French added his second and Joe Burgess raced to the line from his own half.
Farrell and Oliver Gildart rounded off a comprehensive victory for Wigan, despite Mahe Fonua's late consolation.
Adrian Lam's Warriors will face Leeds Rhinos in their semi-final, which will be played on Saturday, 3 October.
In contrast to Warrington's narrow victory over St Helens earlier in the day, the outcome of this quarter-final was rarely in doubt after Wigan's blistering start in the late evening sunshine.
The Black and Whites made errors at both ends of the field, while Wigan were robust in defence and clinical in attack.
Even when Hull threatened with a spell of pressure in the closing stages of the first period, they were twice picked off from long range.
Zak Hardaker produced a superbly weighted kick to send French over for his second try, while Burgess pounced on a loose ball and ran 85 metres unchallenged down the left touchline.
Youngster Harry Smith also took his opportunity to impress for the victorious Warriors, setting up both of Wigan's second-half scores.
Wigan full-back Bevan French told BBC Two:
"We know what a team like Hull are capable of, so it was important to get off to a good start and we did that which made the game a lot easier.
"We've got to switch our focus to Leeds now. You've just got to show up on that day. If you don't show up and start well, it doesn't matter who you're up against, it's going to make it tough."
Hull FC: Wynne; Fonua, Tuimavave, Griffin, Faraimo; Connor, Sneyd; Matongo, Johnstone, Fash, Ma'u, Lane, Cator.
Interchanges: Houghton, Satae, Sao, Brown.
Wigan: French; Manfredi, Hardaker, Gildart, Burgess; Hastings, Leuluai, Havard, Powell, Partington, Isa, Farrell, O'Loughlin.
Interchanges: Clark, Greenwood, Shorrocks, Smith.