Challenge Cup: Wakefield Trinity 6-36 Wigan Warriors - visitors set up semi-final with St Helens

Jai Field scored a hat-trick as Wigan overcame a spirited Wakefield to set up a Challenge Cup semi-final with holders St Helens.

Trinity dominated early on but Wigan went ahead when Field raced clear.

Lewis Murphy replied with a stunning diving effort but Ethan Havard crashed over to give Warriors a half-time lead.

Wigan eased clear after the break as Field scored at either end of the half on top of tries from Zak Hardaker and Liam Farrell.

In the other semi-final Huddersfield Giants will play Hull KR. Both ties will take place at Elland Road, Leeds, on 7 May as part of a triple header with the women's Challenge Cup final.

• Relive Wigan's win over Wakefield

Record 19-time cup winners Wigan, who have been beaten just once in all competitions so far this season, absorbed long spells of pressure from the hosts in the first half, with Mason Lino particularly impressive for Trinity with his kicking game.

Winger Murphy, making just his third appearance after coming in for the injured Tom Johnstone, went close to putting Trinity ahead with a diving effort. Slow-motion replays, however, showed he was forced into touch by Hardaker.

A minute late, Field was put through by Farrell for Wigan's opening try.

Murphy then showcased what he is capable of at both ends of the field, producing a try-saving tackle in one corner before going on to touch down with a leaping effort of his own just a minute later.

A Hardaker break before some evasive work from captain Thomas Leuluai set Havard up for Wigan's second score, which Field added to immediately after the break.

Bevan French, starting his first game of the season, helped set Wigan up for their fourth score, with John Bateman finding Hardaker to finish.

Farrell put the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining before Field completed his treble with seconds left.

'Wigan v Saints a blockbuster' - Reaction

Wigan Warriors boss Matty Peet:

"It was far from easy. We knew we wouldn't have it all our own way. Wakefield are a team who can test you at any point.

"I was happy with our desire to defend our line and cover for one another, I think that's what got us the result in the end, combined with flashes of brilliance."

On facing Saints in the semi-final: "It's an exciting game to look ahead to. Any tie involving Wigan and Saints is a blockbuster.

"It's hard to look at that when we've got them on Friday but, if we are going to win a trophy, we are going to have to beat St Helens."

Wakefield Trinity head coach Willie Poching:

"It's disappointing obviously to be knocked out at this stage. We couldn't quite carry on what we did in the first half.

"That first half was fantastic for us but some of their quality came through in that second half. Speed kills.

"The spirit and fight is still there and there were some really good performers. James Batchelor has taken his opportunity and the young fellow on the wing, Lewis Murphy, has grown another level again. You could see the hallmarks of Tom Johnstone over that try."

Challenge Cup semi-final draw

Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR

St Helens v Wigan Warriors

Both ties to be played at Elland Road, Leeds, on Saturday, 7 May.

Wakefield: Jowitt, Kay, Lyne, Hall, Murphy, Gaskell, Lino, Arona, Hood, Tanginoa, Pitts, Ashurst, Batchelor.

Interchanges: Whitbread, Bowes, Battye, Crowther.

Wigan: Field, Thornley, Hardaker, Bibby, French, Cust, Leuluai, Singleton, Powell, Partington, Farrell, Bateman, Smithies.

Interchanges: Mago, Byrne, Havard, Shorrocks

Referee: J Child.