Defending champions Leeds kept the pressure on Super League leaders St Helens with a crushing win at Wigan.

The Rhinos turned on the style to run in nine tries and avenge their recent defeat to the Warriors.

Four of those tries came in the first-half as Leedss led 24-10 at the break, while Kevin Sinfield scored eight goals to boost the visitors' tally.

Wigan started brightly but fell away and the defeat is a blow to their hopes of earning a home tie in the play-offs.

The home side were without leading points scorer Pat Richards, but were boosted by the return of playmaker Trent Barrett who was involved in the opening score from former Leeds winger Mark Calderwood.

Wigan were good value for their lead, but Leeds continued to play the better rugby and tries from Brent Webb and substitute Luke Burgess put the visitors in front before the home side hit back though Cameron Phelps.

Lee Smith and Kyle Leuluai put Leeds in control before the interval and Wigan rarely threatened as the visitors turned on the style to secure victory.

Dazzling tries from Webb, Lauitiiti and Keith Senior extended their advantage and 17-year-old substitute Kallum Watkins rounded off the scoring after Eamon O'Carroll pulled a try back for the home side.

Wigan coach Brian Noble:
"Leeds were pretty hot tonight We couldn't handle them, which was disappointing.

"At 12-10 we had got back in the game but we gifted them a try and then let in a couple of soft ones.

"But we're not down and out. It was a great lesson for us on how intense we have to be at this time of the year."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan:
"We are starting to claw our way back and do some positive things.

"It's great to see all the lads smiling and feel the joy around them.

"We've been through some frustrating times but we're getting there. We're making progress every week but we still have a lot more to do yet.

Wigan: Mathers, Calderwood, Phelps, Carmont, Colbon, Barrett, Leuluai, Fielden, Higham, Paleaaesina, Hansen, Coley, J. Tomkins.
Replacements: Prescott, O'Carroll, Mossop, Smith.

Leeds: Webb, Smith, Ablett, Senior, Tansey, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Ellis, Lauitiiti, Sinfield.
Replacements: Scruton, Burgess, Worrall, Watkins.

Referee: A Klein (London)