Salford City Reds 16 Warrington Wolves 68: Humiliated McRae looking for big improvement after defeat

Stefan Ratchford scored a try in each half and Matty Smith also touched down for the Reds, who were without five players, including front-row forwards Ray Cashmere, Lee Jewitt and Rob Parker.

However, they were no match for the rampant Wolves and the 12-try hammering came as a shock to their coach.

"I never saw that coming," he said. "I was delighted with the preparation this week and the trip was excellent.

"Too many players were off colour and we were passive defensively from the outset, which is not like us, and we never really recovered. We are a club that can't afford to have too many guys out and the five missing would make the 17, but it wasn't players coming into the team who didn't perform.

"We looked a little flat, even from the first set. We just have to put it down to one of those days.

"It hasn't happened to me too often and it feels a bit humiliating in many respects. All you can do is respond. We have a week off and a chance maybe to get some of those players back."

Warrington's 12 tries included the 100th of Lee Briers' Wolves career and a first for winger Rhys Williams on his full Super League debut. Chris Hicks and former Salford scrum-half Richie Myler both touched down twice and other tries came from Michael Monaghan, Ryan Atkins, Chris Riley, Vinnie Anderson, Chris Bridge and David Solomona.

"It was a really good performance," said coach Tony Smith. "We were pretty keyed up for a good performance. The last time we played Salford we had a real struggle with them.

"We got them at a good time today. They were a little light in certain positions. You have still got to do the job and I was pleased that the players stuck to their task and also played with some terrific flair. I thought our attack was tremendous."

Smith was forced into a late reshuffle when full-back Richard Mathers pulled out of the camp to travel back to Leeds to attend the birth of his first child, daughter Sasha.

"It's been a great day for all the players," Smith said. "I thought Lee Briers bossed the game very well. Our half-backs are getting combinations going, they're getting an understanding of one another."