 | MATCH SUMMARY Leeds (24) 48
Tries: Donald 2, Williams, Burrow, Senior, Lautiiti, Walker, Jones Buchanan
Goals: Sinfield 8 Wigan (12) 22
Tries: Orr, Ashton, Richards, Goulding
Goals: Tickle 2, Dobson
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Leeds ran in eight tries to close the gap on leaders St Helens to four points and increase bottom side Wigan's woes. The Warriors led 12-0 early on after tries from Danny Orr and Chris Ashton.
But Leeds ran in four tries in 13 minutes through Scott Donald, Danny Williams, Rob Burrow and Keith Senior to put them 24-12 up by the break.
Ali Lauitiiti increased the Rhinos' lead early in the second half and with Kevin Sinfield kicking eight goals, they controlled matters after that.
Wigan's early scores gave them some encouragement that they can avoid relegation but Leeds scrum-half Rob Burrow then put his stamp on the game, setting up Donald and scoring himself.
In between, loose forward Willie Poching gathered his own kick to send in winger Williams, who then broke clear to put Senior haring away for the line.
The second half started badly for Wigan with Lauitiiti's try and things got worse when Chev Walker went over from close range after Shane Millard's 40-20 kick had kept the pressure on.
Wigan stopped the rot through Pat Richards but Leeds were quickly back in the groove through Jamie Jones-Buchanan and quick handling from Burrow and Walker put Donald over for his second.
The Warriors gained further consolation with Goulding's try but they were well beaten.
Leeds assistant coach Brian McDermott on the absence of Danny McGuire. "Danny needed a rest and it was the right decision to rest him. I don't think we missed anything at all. We're very fortunate that we've got three world-class half-backs.
"It wasn't the start we wanted but the end certainly was.
"How they scored their tries was easily fixed up. It was under our control."
Wigan coach Brian Noble "We gave far too many penalties away at crucial times and that's something we need to look at.
"We also got a bit frantic when we went 12 points behind and wanted to score from every play.
"We've got to build performances and we need to start winning games but I am still confident we can turn the corner."
Leeds: Smith, Donald, Walker, Senior, Williams, Sinfield, Burrow, Jones-Buchanan, Diskin, Scruton, Peacock, Ellis, Poching.
Replacements: O'Neill, Millard, Lauitiiti, Feather.
Wigan: Ashton, Dallas, McAvoy, Goulding, Richards, Orr, Dobson, Fletcher, Higham, Logan, Tickle, Hock, O'Loughlin.
Replacements: Paleaaesina, Godwin, O'Carroll, Hill.
Referee: R Silverwood (Dewsbury)
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