 Sinfield was on form with the boot converting all eight kicks |
Leeds: (24) 46
Tries: Jones-Buchanan, Peacock, Tansey, Webb, Scruton, Burrow, Burgess, Kaye
Goals: Sinfield (8) Harlequins: (0) 0 Super League leaders Leeds swept past Harlequins with ease to win the top-of-the-table clash at Headingley. Despite missing several big names, tries from Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jamie Peacock, Jordan Tansey and Brent Webb put the Rhinos 24-0 up at the break. It was a similar story in the second half as Nick Scruton, Rob Burrow, Luke Burgess and Ben Kaye went over. And Quins' bad night was complete when prop Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook went off with a broken wrist. Leeds were without six members of their Grand Final-winning team through injury and suspension. This meant debuts for teenage hooker Kaye and Simon Worrall, while prop Burgess made his home debut. But Harlequins were without the injured Henry Paul and Scott Hill and could not maintain the form that had seen them win four in a row. Jones-Buchanan crashed over for a Leeds try after just seven minutes and Peacock romped over soon after, Kevin Sinfield converting both. Substitute Tansey scored with his first touch of the ball on 27 minutes and Webb made it four tries just before the break after juggling with the ball. Scruton and Burrow went over early on in a second half that Leeds also dominated - Burrow getting his 100th try for Leeds. Harlequins managed to string together one potent attacking move but centre David Howell spilled the ball over the line. And Leeds new boys Burgess and Kaye rounded off the rout late on, with Sinfield completing all eight of his goals on a comfortable night for the champions.
Leeds coach Brian McClennan:
"A lot of positive things happened tonight - we wanted to open it up and play a bit of footie. "It was good to see Rob score his 100th try. He's been on 99 for a while. He's been phenomenal. He steers the ship around and that's a huge responsibility. "To nil the opposition also shows the grittiness of the team and their willingness to work hard for each other." Harlequins coach Brian McDermott on McCarthy-Scarsbrook's injury:
"It's a shame because he's been looking like a seasoned player in the last three or four games and he's just starting to take shape. "Leeds were white hot and while it's not an excuse, I don't think I've seen them play as well as that for a year. "They would have been a joy to watch had I not been the opposition coach. We were pretty heroic in the second half but we came up against a very good Leeds team with a point to prove."
Leeds: Webb, Hall, Ellis, Senior, Donald, Sinfield, Burrow, Leuluai, Kaye, Bailey, Peacock, Lauitiiti, Jones-Buchanan.
Replacements: Tansey, Scruton, Burgess, Worrall. Harlequins: McLinden, Wells, Clubb, Howell, Sheriffe, Orr, Rinaldi, Temata, Randall, Ward, Barker, Purdham, Mbu.
Replacements: Heckenberg, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Grayshon, Worrincy. Referee: B Thaler (Wakefield)
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