Wigan Warriors 0 Leeds Rhinos 8: Rhinos’ defensive masterclass gets the job done

By Peter Smith
Published 23rd Sep 2021, 22:58 BST
Over and out: Rhinos winger Ash Handley scores the game's only try to sink Wigan. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeOver and out: Rhinos winger Ash Handley scores the game's only try to sink Wigan. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Over and out: Rhinos winger Ash Handley scores the game's only try to sink Wigan. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
AFTER WAITING eight years to win at Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos have now done it twice inside a month – and not conceded a point in the process.

Last night’s 8-0 triumph in the opening round of the play-offs was even more impressive than August’s 14-0 league success – an outstanding display of guts, character and defensive resolve which will belong remembered by everyone of a blue and amber persuasion in the 7,396 crowd.

After a scoreless opening 40, Rhinos took the lead with a converted try 10 into the second period and held on to that until six minutes from time when a penalty completed their scoring.

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Wigan could have no real complaints. Though they had much of the territory, they rarely looked like breaking Rhinos down.

Lift off: Former Leeds prop Brad Singleton tackles Rhyse Martin. PPicture: Jonathan GawthorpeLift off: Former Leeds prop Brad Singleton tackles Rhyse Martin. PPicture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Lift off: Former Leeds prop Brad Singleton tackles Rhyse Martin. PPicture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The win – Leeds’ first in a play-off since the 2017 Grand Final – is likely to earn them a trip to Catalans Dragons next Thursday, unless Hull KR pull off a shock at Warrington Wolves today.

That will be another huge challenge, but if Leeds can reproduce last night’s effort, they have a real chance – and after they lost four of their opening five games who would have expected Rhinos to be within 80 minutes of Old Trafford?

Attacking chances were few and far between, but Leeds gave everything they had defensively.

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They weren’t just strong, they were smart as well, reading the play and shutting down Wigan’s attacking threats.

On the move: Leeds' Bodene Thompson runs at John Bateman. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeOn the move: Leeds' Bodene Thompson runs at John Bateman. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
On the move: Leeds' Bodene Thompson runs at John Bateman. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Their try came out of the blue, from a kick and they didn’t create an opportunity with ball in hand, other than a couple of close-range charges by Brad Dwyer and Matt Prior.