Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has offered his assessment of his side’s 24-16 victory over Toulouse Olympique yesterday.

The Wolves raced into an 18-0 lead at half-time, before adding a fourth to go 24-0 up. However, they couldn’t continue their dominance with the French side clawing their way back in the game to make it a tense affair.

Toby King dotted down twice for the travelling side, whilst Josh Smith and Max Wood also scored tries.

Toulouse’s Olly Ashall-Bott added a double, with Matthieu Jussaume also getting over the line.

Burgess believes his side were worn out from an intense few weeks, none more so than their last seven days, where they have had a Challenge Cup semi-final to play before then flying out to France.

Given those mitigations, the Warrington boss can “accept” that some players were tired, and whilst they still got the win he would have liked to see a better second stanza.

Speaking post-match, he said: “[It’s] two points, which we are happy with. The first half I thought was okay. Second half, a little bit disappointed with our performance.

“I thought Toulouse showed some spirit, played with some energy, and I just think we looked a little bit tired.

“I can accept it a little bit because of the circumstances, semi-final and travel and everything. I knew we might look a little bit tired at some point, but it’s still two points.”

Burgess explained a common theme during his time at Wire, after each Challenge Cup semi-final, the team haven’t been able to perform as well as they could the following week.

The boss said: “I think it’s fair to accept that it’s there. I was expecting a little lull, but I thought it would be a bit better in the second half.”

Warrington Wolves boss explains latest on forward duo

Two players who didn’t feature in France were Joe Philbin and Sam Stone, who both missed out due to minor issues.

It had already been confirmed by Burgess that Philbin wouldn’t play this week, after batting away “harsh” criticism being put on the Wire veteran.

The Irish international could potentially be back in the side next week against Bradford Bulls, but if not he will be fit for after the Challenge Cup Final.

Stone meanwhile was an unexpected absence, with the boss explaining why the back rower missed out.

He said: “He’s fine. He could have played. He’s been carrying an injury for maybe a month.

“We just felt it was a good opportunity to give him a break. He’ll play next week.”