Ton-up Richards revives Wigan hopes

But they were pushed all the way by the determined Giants, now just one point ahead of the Warriors in the table, and at times they looked desperate and low on confidence.

Wigan had twice got the thumbs-up from video referee Ian Smith in the first half as they built up a flattering 14-6 lead by the break with a poor-quality opening 40 minutes only highlighted by the craft of Aussie star Trent Barrett.

His kick to the corner brought the first score when Matt Gardner failed to clear the danger, and Darrell Goulding pounced to score his third try in two games.

The Giants hit back with Wigan old boys Kevin Brown and Stephen Wild combining to find the gap before Wild powered over for his 15th of the season.

Chris Thorman landed the conversion from wide out but missed the chance to give Huddersfield the lead when he failed to hit the target with a penalty.

Then with a couple of minutes to the break, Barrett struck again. This time he varied the kick, opting to turn it inside where skipper Sean O'Loughlin was waiting to flick it back for Mickey Higham to snap it up, and dart over.

Like the Goulding try, it survived Mr Smith's scrutiny, and Richards landed his third goal to give Wigan the lead at a crucial time.

Richards came up with a try-saving tackle on Gardner as the winger headed for the line but the Giants cashed in when Wigan conceded a scrum 10 metres from their own line, and Chris Nero raced through the gap to score. Thorman's conversion cut the Wigan lead to two points but Richards took full advantage, landing three more penalties after the Giants were guilty of professional fouls.

Both captains earned a lecture from referee Steve Ganson who also placed Stuart Fielden and Jamahl Lolesi on report after they appeared to clash after the Wigan forward was tackled. And the Giants finished with 12 men after Wild was sin-binned for a challenge on Barrett after the kick.