BEFORE this game, the odds of a Warrington Wolves victory with Super League title sponsors Betfred were a staggering 1-40.

In layman’s terms, favourites do not get much more overwhelming.

The Wire arrived in France expected to win and win well. They did the former, but whether or not they accomplished the latter is at least debatable.

First and foremost, they got what they came to France for – two points and an extension of their 100 per cent start to the new season.

Jason Clark carries the ball forward. Picture by SWPix.com

Jason Clark carries the ball forward. Picture by SWPix.com

Before kick off at Leeds earlier this month, anyone of a primrose and blue persuasion would have gleefully welcomed three wins from three to start their new era had they been offered it.

It may not have been entirely convincing at points but ultimately, results are all that matter.

However, as Daryl Powell continues to stress, development in terms of performance is critical if those results are to continue to keep rolling in.

In that respect, it feels like they regressed in the impressive surroundings of the Stade Ernest Wallon after showing encouraging signs in Round Two.

Part of the credit for that has to go to a Toulouse Olympique side who defied predictions of another heavy beating.

Indeed, with a little more fortune and composure close to the Wire line, they could have given their more illustrious visitors an even bigger fright.

Toulouse celebrate Romain Navarettes try. Picture by SWPix.com

Toulouse celebrate Romain Navarette's try. Picture by SWPix.com

From a Wire perspective, go-forward through the middle proved to be an issue until Joe Bullock was introduced from the bench and Mike Cooper returned for a second stint.

At that point, it became a little easier against a TO side that looked to be tiring and when Daryl Clark crossed to make the score 32-8 with 15 minutes of the game left, the expectation was that Wire would go through the gears and finish with a flourish.

The reality was quite the opposite as they remained firmly in second gear while the hosts finished with a flourish with two late tries.

Make no mistake, there is plenty to fix up – the left edge defence looked particularly slack although one would hope the restoration of Gareth Widdop and Ben Currie will aid that.

Contrast that to the right edge, which looks solid on both sides of the ball orchestrated by George Williams, who was once again a stand-out performer.

George Williams surges clear of the TO defence to score. Picture by SWPix.com

George Williams surges clear of the TO defence to score. Picture by SWPix.com

With some serious tests looming large on the horizon against Catalans and St Helens, we are about to find out whereabouts this Wire side are in terms of the competition’s benchmark teams.

On this evidence, they have a bit of catching up to do.

The Wire players thank their travelling fans. Picture by SWPix.com

The Wire players thank their travelling fans. Picture by SWPix.com