SAINTS were on a hiding to nothing at Keighley, but sheer professionalism told its tale in a comprehensive victory. That was the opinion of Shaun McRae as his team marched into the Cup semi-finals.

WHITTLE: As of right supporters are entitled to a grouse after a match, but I did not hear one discordant voice at 4.30pm on Sunday at Cougar Park. Are you surprised?

McRAE: Pleased is my immediate reaction, because it tells me the fans believe Saints did a thoroughly professional job against a Keighley side well used to their postage-stamp pitch, and who were good enough to bring off a giant-killing act at Halifax. But, with no disrespect to the superbly organised Cougars, a repeat performance was never on the cards because Saints followed the game plan with an immaculate tackling display in the first half which, for me, was our best 40 minutes for some time. Scoring three tries in that period laid the victory foundation, but I was less than happy when Saints turned the ball over 10 times in the second half as opposed to six in the opening stanza, which meant we put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. However, the fact that referee John Connolly complimented Saints on their discipline was another big plus because the lads have worked hard on this vital aspect of play. I don't like to dwell on personalities because Rugby League is a team game but I have to say that the try Paul Newlove 'made' for Anthony Sullivan was centre play of a very high order. The manner in which 'Newy' forced Keighley 's Simon Wray to leave his wing was reminiscent of Chicago Bears' basket-ball star Michael Jordan who uses these 'double-teamers' (as Aussies call them) to similar effect. A word of praise, too, for Chris Morley, who I thought went well for the full 80 minutes. To summarise Saints conquest of Keighley I hammered home the 'no complacency' message by reminding them of what happened to Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle in the FA Cup. And they responded magnificently in ensuring the Cougars finished empty-handed while Saints have now conceded just 20 points in three games.

WHITTLE: What is the up-to-date report on Derek McVey's wrist injury?

McRAE: Derek was examined by club surgeon Peter Rostron on Friday, and it was decided that the healing process needed more time so the protective cast was re-placed, and it is now fingers crossed that McVey will be fit for the Cup semi-final. WHITTLE: Saints are favourites at 8/11 to retain the Silk Cut trophy after being drawn to face Salford at the last four stage. What do you make of those short odds?

McRAE: Nothing! For the very good reason that Cup football is all about what happens on the day, particularly when facing a side like Salford, who have already made an big impact in the top flight by knocking out three Super League clubs in the run-up to the semi-final. As you and the rest of the world probably know I was in the television team at Warrington and, believe me, with such as ex-Saints Paul Forber, Andy Platt and Mark Lee - along with Kangaroo John Cartwright - in their ranks, the Reds will certainly not be intimidated. On a personal note I have come in for some 'stick' after tipping Warrington at half time. All I can say is don't go to Haydock Park with me or you'll be badly out of pocket!

WHITTLE: Skipper Bobbie Goulding is no doubt doubly grateful for Saints' cup run in that is helping to clear his suspension. When will he be back?

McRAE: If the Salford league game is re-arranged for the week after the cup-tie Bobbie is clear to play against Sheffield. But that would mean four games in nine days for Saints and, all things considered, I think we will see Goulding return in Paris on April 5.

WHITTLE: Saints make only their second visit to Harlequins' ground at The Stoop when they face London Broncos on Sunday. A tricky start to their defence of the Super League championship, don't you think?

McRAE: Absolutely! With my opening words of caution being forget the Broncos' Cup defeat by Bradford Bulls and, instead, remember the two cliff-hangers against Saints last season. It is obviously vital to get away to a winning start in the highly-competitive Super League, while my other hope is that the Stoop pitch is better than it was against Bradford. Bulls' coach Matthew Elliott told me it was like a ploughed field, which is one of the consequences of playing a forward-orientated game like Rugby Union. WHITTLE: Tightening up of the play-the-ball rules seems to be bringing about an improvement in that contentious area by giving the defending side more time to re-group and therefore appease the 'tick-and-pass' element among the game's critics. Any comment?

McRAE: It's quite a coincidence that you should mention this because all coaches were due to meet coaching director Greg McCallum this week to thrash out further inconsistencies.

WHITTLE: My Sydney grapevine tells me you are being head-hunted by Australian clubs. True or false?

McRAE: Last year I had all but signed for Western Reds according to you fellows, but I am still here. Enough said!

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.