The Challenge Cup semi-finals are making history for the wrong reasons

Since 2000, there have been only nine semifinals in which the margin of victory has been more than 30 points, including the two this weekend. Before this round, only seven semi-finals out of 48 played this century had such a large margin of victory.

In a weekend where low attendances in the Challenge Cup brought prestige into focus, these two significant wins raise fresh questions for Rugby League’s domestic cup competition. Is the cup losing its luster or is it a freak occurrence?

Contrasting result with the semi-finals of the 2023 Cup

Credit: Imago Images

The margins of victory in this year’s competition are in stark contrast to the 2023 competition, where the two ties were much closer. Last year, the margin of victory in both games was just three points, compared to 68 points this year.

Brad Schneider broke Wigan hearts at Headingley last year. Appearing on loan for Hull KR in a repeat of this year’s semi-final, Schneider inspired the Robins to a famous victory. With the game tied 10-10 at full time, Schneider’s 35-yard goal sealed a place at Wembley for KR.

In last year’s other semi-final, Leigh Leopards shocked St Helens, winning the game 12-10. It was the first time Leigh had reached the final of the Challenge Cup since 1971. The Leopards would defeat the Robins to lift the trophy after a thrilling final.

Attendances at the two games are down by around 2,000 fans this year, with the Warrington v Huddersfield game attracting less than 10,000 fans. The favorable moment was provided by a strong television audience, with Saturday’s match securing an audience share of almost 10%. If the Challenge Cup is to succeed in attracting bigger crowds to the ground, there needs to be fewer blowouts and more games like those seen in 2023.

The nine Challenge Cup semi-finals in the 21st century where the margin of victory was over 30 points

Credit: Imago Images

Warrington Wolves 46 Huddersfield Giants 10 (2024)

Two tries from full-back Matt Dufty helped the Wire book their place at Wembley.

Wigan Warriors 38 Hull KR 6 (2024)

The Warriors dominated a spirited encounter thanks to two tries each for Jake Wardle and Abbas Miski.

Warrington Wolves 48 Leeds Rhinos 12 (2018)

Warrington booked a final against Catalans Dragons with a spectacular solo try from Chris Lineham the pick of the scores.

Warrington Wolves 56 Wakefield Trinity 12 (2016)

Wolves hammered Wakefield with nine different try scorers at Leigh Sports Village.

Wigan Warriors 70 London Broncos 0 (2013)

Wigan recorded their biggest ever Challenge Cup semi-final win with Pat Richards scoring two tries and 11 goals.

Warrington Wolves 54 Catalans Dragons 12 (2010)

Another entry for Warrington who beat Catalans Dragons thanks to a hat trick from Louis Anderson on their way to retaining the trophy.

St Helens 50 Hull KR 0 (2006)

St Helens secured their sixth final in 11 years by defeating Hull KR, securing the second biggest margin of semi-final victory in the process.

Leeds Rhinos 56 Toulouse Olympique 18 (2005)

Rob Burrow scored 20 points to inspire Leeds to a huge win in Toulouse.

St Helens 46 Huddersfield Giants 4 (2004)

Two tries each for Ade Gardner and Jason Hooper confirmed Saints’ place in the 2004 Challenge Cup final.