FORMER coach Tony Smith is backing the Giants to beat St Helens and set up a dream date with Wigan in the final of the Powergen Challenge Cup in Cardiff next month.

The man who has led Leeds Rhinos to the top of Super League admits Huddersfield will need to be at their very best to beat the Saints at Warrington on Sunday (3.15).

But he believes Ian Millward's men are beatable, and that the Giants are capable of pulling off a major shock.

And the Australian, who did so much to help put Huddersfield firmly back on the rugby league map, admits he would be absolutely delighted if the tie went the way of the men from the McAlpine Stadium.

"When the boys trot out on Sunday, I'll take a lot of pride in watching them play," said Smith, who spent three years at the Giants before joining Leeds after last season.

"I've seen a lot of these players develop over the past few years and they've become quality rugby league players.

"This will be a massive challenge for them all, but I certainly believe they can do it.

"Whenever the Giants can get their top team on the park they will challenge anyone, they've already proved that.

"And if that's the case against St Helens, they'll be full of confidence.

"All the pressure is on Saints, and that will suit Huddersfield just fine.

"I know St Helens have claimed the far bigger scalps in the Challenge Cup this year, including a win against ourselves, but that shouldn't put Huddersfield off.

"We weren't really ready to play in a game of that intensity. As the new coach I had been working on certain things that we weren't quite ready to put into practice, and that proved crucial on the day.

"But the Giants look in good shape and are playing well as a team, which counts for a hell of a lot.

"The players just have to have that self-belief that they can do it, because I know they can."

Smith admits that having spent the past three years at the club, he will take a certain amount of personal satisfaction in seeing the Giants in Challenge Cup semi-final action.

But should the Giants reach the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, May 15, he believes there are others still at the club who should make the most of the occasion.

"I would be absolutely delighted if the Giants were to make it," he added.

"I obviously know from personal experience how hard the people at the club work, and they deserve a massive reward for their efforts.

"I can't think of a better reward than to have a trip out to Cardiff.

"Watching the team walk out at the stadium would be the culmination of lot of blood, sweat and tears.

"It really would be fantastic for this club, and I know I'll be supporting them all the way."