Jamie Soward is no match for his Wigan opponent in a Challenge Cup thumping. Source: Chris Brunskill / Getty Images
HUMILIATING defeats and spiteful fans seem to be following Jamie Soward like a bad smell this year.
The key plank in Phil Gould's five-year plan at Penrith was on Sunday part of the London Broncos' devastating 70-0 Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Wigan Warriors.
And the Warriors fans let the former Dragons star have it, chanting "Taxi for Soward" as commentators bemoaned his lack of involvement.
Wigan fans even claimed Soward spat in their direction as the chant rang out at Leigh Sports Village.
Soward was granted an early release from St George Illawarra last month after being dumped to NSW Cup. The Broncos had signed Soward on a short-term deal so they could mount a Challenge Cup charge, but were left feeling some of the same frustration Dragons fans know only too well.
Soward, 28, has signed a four-year deal with Penrith, but Gould's faith in the former Blues Origin player is set to be tested if Sunday's performance is anything to go by.
Soward, playing at halfback, was little more than a speed bump as the Warriors ran in 12 tries. To make matters worse, Soward had made clear the priority in his English stint was to impress in the knockout Challenge Cup competition, rather than the Super League.
"You don't have to be doing really well in the league but you can have a good year if you do something in the Challenge Cup," he told the BBC this month.
Australian winger Pat Richards, who is returning to Wests Tigers next season after eight years in Europe, scored two tries and kicked 11 goals for a record total of 30 points.
Richards was a key part of the Tigers' 2005 premiership side before heading to England.
The victory was the biggest winning margin in a Challenge Cup semi-final.
Wigan returned brilliant fullback Sam Tomkins, captain Sean O'Loughlin and Auckland-born Harrison Hansen to their starting line-up, having rested the trio in the Super League defeat by arch-rivals St Helens. Tomkins, who is expected to join New Zealand Warriors next season, scored a try in the rout.
London coach Tony Rea was devastated.
"That was my biggest disappointment as a coach," the former Brumbies Super Rugby coach and North Sydney Bears captain said.
"I didn't expect it to happen like that and we have to find some pride from somewhere because we have a massive league game against Leeds on Thursday."
London have conceded 112 points against Wigan in two league meetings this season.
This latest rout and bottom spot in Super League could be the death knell for them as a full-time professional club.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane said: "I can't tell you how proud I am of the players. It was a short turnaround for us after losing to St Helens last Monday but we were ruthless with the ball and showed great mental strength.
"That was a real captain's performance from Sean O'Loughlin and if we broke a few records I am delighted. I am just pleased we are through to Wembley."
Wigan started sloppily but were soon in their stride and scored at nearly a point a minute in the first half.
Tries from Darrell Goulding, Lee Mossop, Blake Green, Tomkins and Richards gave them a 34-0 half-time lead.
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