Castleford gained an idea of the size of the task awaiting them in next month's Challenge Cup semi-final after being outplayed by their last-four opponents in Good Friday's Super League clash at the JJB Stadium.

At least the Tigers will be on neutral territory when these sides meet again on April 13 but they will need to find a cutting edge to their attack and stop the supply of ball to pacy winger Brett Dallas if they are to stand a chance of reaching Murrayfield.

Twice the former Australian Test star was left with clear runs to the line after Wigan produced some slick handling to carve the visitors' defence apart.

Wigan's touches of class were interspersed with some very ordinary passages of play and they, too, will be looking for a significant improvement ahead of their Headingley duel.

Coach Stuart Raper, mindful of Monday's derby at St Helens, rested Craig Smith and Mick Cassidy and also took the opportunity to bring full-back Kris Radlinski off at half-time, when the Warriors were comfortably placed at 18-0.

The changes did not help them find the cohesion that has been missing for the most part of the season so far and key signing Julian O'Neill, in particular, has yet to win over the Wigan faithful.

Yet Wigan still had too much guile and power for a one-paced Castleford side, who have reached the last four of the Cup but have managed to pick up a solitary point from their first four League games.

The Tigers matched the home side for the opening quarter and hooker Wayne Bartrim missed a chance to give them the lead when he was wide with a 10th-minute penalty.

A first Super League try by 20-year-old second row forward Steven Wild, deputising for Cassidy, broke the deadlock after some smart work from skipper Andy Farrell and scrum-half Adrian Lam.

Wigan looked most dangerous through the right-wing partnership of Great Britain duo Paul Johnson and David Hodgson and they combined superbly after 28 minutes to get Radlinski racing over for a second try.

There was also a touch of class about Wigan's third try, with Farrell, Jamie Ainscough and Terry Newton producing some superb handling and offloading to give the speedy Dallas a clear run to the line.

When Ainscough powered his way over within two minutes of the re-start, Wigan were leading 22-0 but they twice spilled possession near their own line and Castleford took advantage to restore some pride with tries from Michael Eagar and Jon Wells.

Bartrim was unable to add any of the conversions and Wigan pulled further away with Dallas racing in for his second and Johnson claiming a sixth try and Farrell kicking his fifth goal.

The Tigers managed another try through winger Darren Rogers but it was merely consolation and they finished a well-beaten side.