Anderson pays tribute to players

Saints scored six tries to two to record a sixth successive derby victory and move to within two points of engage Super League leaders Leeds.

"We set a goal to play with intensity over 80 minutes and we did that," said Anderson. "It was probably our most enthusiastic and energetic display of the season. Wigan still managed to cut us up but we got back and showed a pride in keeping our line intact."

Three of Saints' tries came from substitutes James Roby, Maurie Fa'asavalu and Mike Bennett as the champions demonstrated their strength in depth.

"Obviously the key in big games is strength off the bench and once again our four boys played tremendously well," said Anderson. "We had a lot of committed and enthusiastic players."

Wigan coach Brian Noble conceded that Saints' super-subs made a huge difference as the Warriors' four-match winning run came to an abrupt end.

"It's a pretty impressive bench," he said. "They all added something when they went on the field."

Wigan were gifted a dream start when winger Pat Richards scored a breakaway try after only five minutes but they were 22-8 down by the time scrum-half Thomas Leuluai added a second 10 minutes into the second half.

"You can't let St Helens play the ball that quickly," said Noble. "They were on the front foot for long periods and we couldn't quite get back in the arm wrestle.

"The quality of our attack was poor. We built no pressure at all. We're very disappointed that we've not played as we practised. We had people doing away from the script that we set.

"If you keep giving the ball away on play two, you don't get to attack. Full credit to St Helens, who are a bit more used to playing with each other than we are at the moment. There is still that element of newness."