IF we thought that expectations were sky-high before the Quins game, they must be somewhere in the stratosphere by now.

Such was the dominance of the Wolves performance that many fans will already be talking in hushed whispers about a Grand Final appearance after the first Super League game of the season.

Fortunately for those involved at the club, in Tony Smith they have a boss who will not allow one good result to overcome months of careful planning.

He calmly expressed his satisfaction with the result, praised his players and pointed out, rightly, that Harlequins were far below full strength.

This is not to take away from the Wolves performance, which was exciting, powerful and completely unstoppable at times.

They showed 100 per cent commitment from the first minute to the last and never allowed their opponents time to re-gather.

In a game that was full of stand-out performances, in particular Chris Riley’s magnificant five-try haul, Smith praised his pack for their unrelenting work rate.

Paul Wood had arguably the best game he has had for years, throwing numerous offloads and driving forward with power and confidence.

But it was Smith’s emphasis on the defence that really shone through and it was obvious that the team were more pleased with the ‘nil’ then they were with the 11 tries.

Wolves have not been known for their defensive strength but no-one can deny that during the only period of Harlequins pressure, consisting of four consecutive sets just metres from their line, the team showed a composure and strength of will that has often been absent in the past.

In the second period Harlequins struggled to get out of their half and were constantly pushed back by the devastating Wolves attack.

Michael Monaghan had another immense game, popping up all over the pitch and picking the Quins line apart with little darting runs and pinpoint passing.

Myler and Briers also seemed to show signs of the teamwork that Andrew Johns alluded to in pre-season, with Briers in particular executing a wonderful kick from a scrum to send Riley over.

Consistency will now be vital if Wolves are to continue their Super League ascent.

They have passed the first test with flying colours but there will be sterner challenges to come and how Wolves deal with them will determine the success of this season.

INTERESTING NOTES

First time Wolves nilled a team since 52-0 drubbing of London Skolars in Challenge Cup fourth round on April 2, 2006

First time Wolves nilled a team in a home league game since 27-0 success against Leigh on December 26, 1978

Wolves' highest win on opening day of a new Super League season

Highest attendance for a Wolves v Harlequins game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium

Chris Riley became the first Wolves player to score five tries in a Super League game

First time a Wolves player has scored five tries in a game since Bob Eccles' haul against Blackpool in the second round of the John Player Trophy at Wilderspool on December 12, 1982

First time a Wolves player has scored five tries in a home league game since Parry Gordon against Dewsbury on March 3, 1974

MATCH FACTS

Engage Super League Round One

Sunday February 7, 2010

Warrington Wolves...58 Harlequins...0

Wolves:

Richie Mathers (1t); Chris Riley (5t), Chris Bridge (1t), Ryan Atkins, Matt King; Lee Briers (7g), Richie Myler (1t); Adrian Morley, Michael Monaghan (1t), Garreth Carvell (1t), Ben Westwood, Louis Anderson, Ben Harrison. Subs: Mickey Higham, Paul Wood, David Solomona, Simon Grix (1t).

Harlequins:

Jamie O’Callaghan; Chris Melling, Tony Clubb, David Howell, Will Sharp; Danny Orr, Luke Gale; David Williams, Chad Randall, Oliver Wilkes, Luke Williamson, Ryan Esders, Jason Golden. Subs: Ben Kaye, Matt James, Lamont Bryan, Ben Bolger.

Referee:

Thierry Alibert

Scoring:

Inside ball from Myler allows Carvell to crash over, 3mins, Briers converts, 6-0; Monaghan angles left from dummy half and drops off Mathers on the inside to glide home, 7mins, Briers converts, 12-0; Monaghan speeds over from quick tap penalty, 25mins, Briers converts, 18-0; Bridge 10m dummy and dart from a play-the-ball catches out Quins, 38mins, Briers converts, 24-0; Briers’ astute long pass allows Bridge to put Riley in the clear, 40+mins, 28-0; Wood offloads for Westwood to put Riley over, 47mins, 32-0; Myler and Bridge combine to work a hat-trick try for Riley, 50mins, 36-0; Westwood offload allows Higham to break before Bridge sends Riley away for his fourth, 53mins, Briers converts, 42-0; Morley’s offload leads to Monaghan scamper finished off by Myler, 55mins, Briers converts, 48-0; Briers kicks to the corner from a scrum for Riley to pounce, 63mins, 52-0; Grix twists a route to the line after spadework from Briers, Monaghan and Anderson.

Sin bin:

Randall, interference, 20mins

Penalties:

Wolves 8 Harlequins 7

Attendance:

11,678