STRENGTH of character when all appeared lost. That was the key to Saints' monumental RL Cup win over Wigan according to team boss Shaun McRae.

WHITTLE: Given the 12-man scenario no supporter of sound mind would have backed Saints at 3.50pm on Saturday. What was the secret of their success?

McRAE: At that stage it was a classic flight-or-fight syndrome situation for Saints, and thankfully the lads stayed level-headed and calm, adopted a positive attitude and the rest is history. Looking at the game overall it was imperative to dominate all facets of play against a side of the calibre of Wigan, and in leading 10-2 after 35 minutes I think we achieved that and laid the platform for victory. But, make one slip and Wigan will make you pay, as they did when Henry Paul made the break for Kris Radlinski's try. Losing Bobbie Goulding meant Saints had their backs to the wall, and there was no one more aware of this than the captain himself, but the true grit and steely resolve that we demonstrated throughout developed an even greater intensity to see Saints into the next round. With the greatest respect to men-of-the match Apollo Perelini and Derek McVey how you media men make a choice after such heroics is beyond me, because the accolade might have gone to any Saint, including Andy Northey if only for sweating it out on the bench for 76 minutes!

WHITTLE: A fly on the dressing room wall told me that your rallying call to the troops at half-time was positively Churchillian. What line did you take?

McRAE: Let me say immediately that I had a very able lieutenant in Derek McVey and it was a pity that no one taped it! We were both of similar mind in that, rather than use the fact that Saints were shorthanded as an excuse for defeat it should be a spur for victory. In short the message was stick to the game plan, tackle as if life itself depended on it, take the game to Wigan and attack at every opportunity - three tries to nil in the final half suggests that it worked. It also says something for Saints' pre-season training programme because our fitness levels, while not spot-on, are moving in the right direction.

WHITTLE: Bobbie Goulding was naturally distressed as he left the field, and I am told his team-mates were among the first to commiserate with him. What are your feelings on the sad affair?

McRAE: Like everyone else in the Saints' camp I was extremely sorry when Bobbie was sent off and, without pre-judging the verdict of the Rugby League judiciary, I have to say that I thought the tackle on Neil Cowie was a reflex action and certainly not intentional. Goulding will appear before the disciplinary board today, Thursday, in Leeds, and will be accompanied by David Howes and myself.

WHITTLE: You must have been delighted with the Silk Cut Cup fifth round draw which sees either Hull or Huddersfield make a rare appearance at Knowsley Road?

McRAE: It's certainly nice to be at home again, and if I had my way all Saints' ties would be played at Knowsley Road - now that's nerve for you! Seriously though I have no preference as to whether it's the Giants - including ex-Saints Phil Veivers and Jonathan Neill plus local lad Neil Harmon - or the Boulevarders At the end of the day the game is another step on the Wembley way and there will be no complacency among the Saints' squad, with the preparation being the same as if it were Wigan all over again.

WHITTLE: I know it's an old chestnut but the saga of stand-off Iestyn Harris rumbles on and on. Surely rumours of certain players being offered as part of a deal is both weakening the squad and bad for morale in a McRAE: I can only restate my previous position that I believe speculation continues to run amok in media sources, and while I would like to see Harris in a Saints' shirt I have no wish to see any of my players leave Knowsley Road as a consequence. Tommy Martyn is the man in possession of the stand-off spot and is playing well, but I have never said that Iestyn would occupy that position and nowhere else if he came to Saints.

WHITTLE: Having been here 12 months Saints are Cup and League holders and have beaten Wigan twice in serious competitions. You must be happy with your annual report which underlines the fact that Saints are no longer the 'nearly men?'

McRAE: Obviously I am, and in a nutshell I suppose it boils down to the belief that if you want people to be successful there is a good chance that you will be so yourself. The old maxim about getting your backyard in order first and your house will follow certainly applies here at Knowsley Road, because there is also a massive team effort off the field and that makes life so much easier for all concerned, including me.

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