Sharp column: Pressure on coaches in final run-in

WE'RE now coming to the business end of the Super League season when all the major issues will be settled.

As a result, the pressure on everyone is increasing, none more so than on the coaches.

Those tell-tale signs were certainly on show the other night with Wigan coach Denis Betts' reaction to what he saw as some debatable refereeing calls in his side's game at Hull.

He felt his side were on the receiving end of a number of tough calls, and virtually accused the match officials of cheating his club out of the League points.

Personally, I found it a little amusing, because it was only a couple of weeks ago that Denis was criticising the Giants publicly for alleged high shots and illegal use of the elbow in our game against them at the JJB.

As a result, I went through the match video several times looking closely for any incidents which would support Denis's point.

I found none.

There was no question his accusations were unfounded and his comments unwarranted.

In fact, I also found these comments ironic, because after watching us beat Wigan at the McAlpine Stadium earlier in the season, St Helens coach Ian Millward went public condeming the Warriors for the number of high shots on us!

With Denis, it was clear his comments immediately after the game against us and then against Hull were a knee-jerk reaction.

But I honestly believe he should think more about what he's saying and not let his emotions get the better of him.

I do know that can at times be difficult, particularly when Denis had just seen his team squander an 18-point lead, like Wigan had done at Hull.

The way Hull came back at them in the second half was tremendous, and this match was a thoroughly entertaining affair.

I was obviously watching the game with a great deal of interest because we travel to Hull on Sunday.

And I have to admit that the match couldn't have gone any better for us.

My main hope for the contest was to see it going right down to the wire, which meant Hull couldn't ease off later in the game in an attempt to conserve some energy for Sunday's game against us.

That's exactly what happened as the two sides slugged out a 20-20 draw.

Let's just hope that has a negative knock-on effect for Hull this weekend and we can finish far stronger than them on Sunday.

It's going to be a tough ask. Hull are an excellent side and the fact they are third speaks for itself.

But the boys are all looking forward to making the trip.

The KC Stadium is a fantastic venue and I would love to see it bringing out the very best in them.

I see no reason why it shouldn't.

IT'S always good when a tactical switch pays off.

And I believe that proved the case with the decision to put Hefin O'Hare on the bench against London Broncos at the weekend.

I believe it was only the second time Hefin has started a Giants Super League game as a substitute, but I thought he filled the role perfectly.

I asked Hefin to come onto the field and do as many dummay-half carries as possible.

Having studied the Broncos on video, it was obvious to me that when they tired they were very vulnerable around the rucks.

It seemed that to bring a fresh man on to the field who had pace would cause London a lot of trouble in that particular area.

Fortunately, that was the way it proved.

Hefin and Paul White, for that matter, both had joy around the rucks and the Broncos had very little answer to them.

But will Hefin be a substitute again this weekend?

That remains to be seen.

Hull obviously have different strengths and weaknesses to the Broncos, and if adopting the same policy seems the best bet that's the way we'll go.

But only time will tell.