Sylvain Houles focusing on ‘crucial’ Wakefield clash following Wigan defeat

Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles believes next week’s clash against Wakefield is shaping up to be a decisive fixture for both clubs.

Houles was devastated as a last-minute drop-goal handed his side a 29-28 defeat at home to Wigan.

Matt Peet’s side had to battle all the way to win the first game of their trip to France. A late Harry Smith one-pointer maintained Wigan’s 100% record in 2022, leaving Toulouse still searching for their first win of the season.

Houles said his players had to pick their heads up and improve against potential relegation rivals Trinity.

Toulouse 28-29 Wigan: Heartbreak for French side as Harry Smith kicks late drop-goal

Sylvain Houles previews Wakefield: ‘We both desperately need the points’

He said: “We know next week’s game against Wakefield will be crucial. We both desperately need the points even so early in the season. But I won’t add any pressure on the boys, we just have to stick to our process and keep building.”

Toulouse led at half-time and until the final minute but Smith’s 79th-minute kick ruined hopes of a first Super League victory for the bottom club.

Houles added: “I’m just so disappointed for the boys because they don’t deserve to be on the losing side. That’s the most frustrating part.

“But from where we’re coming from, we can see that the process is working and the boys now know what we expect from them, how we want to work and play.

“They pushed Wigan all the way, so it is encouraging. But when you play sports you want to win.

“It’s a tough one. I thought it was there for us to take it and it’s no good complaining. We have to focus on the things that we can improve.”

READ MORE: Josh Eaves on life in the North, room-mates and Newcastle’s Super League ambitions

PLAY: Fantasy Rugby League