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Salford prepare for the 'Federer of rugby'
SALFORD coach Shaun McRae believes facing St Helens tonight is as tough as coming up against Roger Federer or Andy Murray at Wimbledon.
McRae accepts trying to beat the Super League leaders is a tough challenge but one he hopes can bring the best out of his players.
Saints are four points clear at the top and 20 points better off than the Reds but McRae is upbeat ahead of the visit of Mick Potter's in-form side. McRae, a former St Helens coach, said: "With St Helens you have got the opportunity to pit your wits against the best.
"I run out of superlatives to describe the St Helens side. People may say that is emotion because I was there but it is not.
"I just enjoy watching good sides play and seeing sides continually raise the standards.
"They are a club that do that and they can rip you to shreds at any time. But when you play against these sides they tend to bring the best out of you and I am hoping that is the case.
"I reckon you'd want to play against Andy Murray or Roger Federer because you'd want to test them and be known as the player that beat them. It's a bit similar to that. We're playing against the best, let's see how we stand up."
Salford have lost their last three games. Saints are on course for a fifth successive league leaders' shield, having lost just three times. Potter sees the game as another step towards his end-of-season goal and said: "It is a chance to consolidate, another two points. But Salford have had a season of mixed performances and we just hope that we are at our best and get on top of them."
Fixtures
Super League (8pm): Salford v St Helens, Wigan v Harlequins.
Championship: Halifax v Leigh; Sheffield v Batley.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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