Semi-final: Leeds v Wigan Rugby League: Challenge Cup

It is the classic clash - Lancashire against Yorkshire and

two superpowers, Wigan and Leeds, meet today in the semi-final the

Challenge Cup. It is being played at the Galpharm Stadium in the

valley, but remember only one of them will make it through to

Wembley, where they met last year That one to 11 can meet the Cup. --

the fans really do next as friends and the atmosphere is convivial and

amicable but the atmosphere will be absolute because this is their

trophy. They have won it 18 times. Wigan are building a side once

again capable of dominating rugby league, in particular with the help

of these guys - Josh Charnley. The last time they won was in 1999 and

since then they have lost in the final on every occasion. Time is

running out. Harris was the Leeds captain 13 years ago on the day

they last lifted the cup. Today he is at Wigan as assistant coach to

the main man Shaun wane. Wigan is the season's stand-out side. In the

last round they saw off St Helens and they are hot favourites today.

While Leeds have not won the cup for so long is a mystery, they have

dominated the domestic game, and they are the current world club

champions. They have got quality and experience throughout. Brian

McDermott's side can't be ruled out as they target a third successive

final appearance. The players are looking very relaxed. That is

Mossop leading off, the captain behind him, and Josh Charnley with

the headphones on listening to something motivating, leading out

Sam Tomkins and Shaun wane, their coach. greeting the fans. There is

Stevie Ward, 18 years old, leading the team. Jamie Jones-Buchanan, big

Ryan Bailey, and Danny McGuire will be pretty influential. The leaves

team are coached by Brian McDermott. We have something we don't see very

often, flashes of blue sky. We even have sunshine earlier, I promise

you. In these conditions, it should be a high-scoring, exciting match.

Tell me Preview it, we have a combined brains of Ian Millward and

Brian Noble. How do you read this match? It will not be what people

think. The Leeds team are coming into form, played the last game

very defensively. This is going to be Leeds' day. We go now hot

favourites so possibly an upset. The big story at the moment is the

plight of Bradford Bulls, in financial crisis they have until

27th July to find a new owner. Can it be done? There is potentially

some good news on the horizon with a businessman who wants to save the

club and help the community. We can probably discuss that later. When

we finish here on BBC Two just press your red button, and from

7:30pm we will have more reflection on that and whatever happens today.

The teams are on the pitch warming up, and here is all you need to

know about them. In the 1990s, Wigan were the invincibles. Their

incredible run stretched to eight successive victories. Wigan have

won the cup only twice since then, but with last year's success over

Leeds and the seemingly untouchable Sam Tomkins in their ranks, they

are capable of creating another dynasty. Leeds were humbled only a

month ago by Wigan but they are the current world club champions. The

Rhinos have had a revival lately and knocked Wigan out of this

competition twice in the last four Tanya Arnold with the details.

Tanya Arnold with the details. Let's look at how they feature in

the Superleague table. Out in the front, most points scored and least

points conceded. What is the secret to Wigan's success? It will come as

no surprise that Wigan will go into this game as the game favourites.

The reason for that is they have the best defensive team in the

competition, statistically it on paper. The closest team behind them,

Warrington, are 20 points behind. The reason is they have players

like Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley. Funny, that is not the reason I

think they are the best team. I think it is because of their

defence. They have the best defensive team in the competition,

with players like Lauaki. They can control the speed and tempo of the

game. Let me show you what they do. Returned these are the Wigan

defensive players. They do not try to take him to the ground. The

third player comes in and they try to take the legs out from beneath

him. The third man will get back on side, these two will peel off

slowly, and when the offensive player gets up, he will be

confronted with a line waiting for him straight away. When Rob Burrow

is on his game, he is unstoppable. I was in the changing room earlier,

and I promise you his shirt is half the size of everyone else's but he

is so effective and he gets underneath the players as well. Ian,

you have said already you think Leeds have a chance today. Why

would they turn around the results back in June when Wigan put 50

points on them? One important ingredient is Thomas Leuluai. He is

out injured. On the edge of the rocks, he goes to the line but now

with shorn locks There is a different tempo. Leaves really

struggle to build on the structure of the Wigan team. Today they can

counteract that with their defence. In their last game against Hull on

Friday night they were going the right way, with a change in

personnel because of injury it can relate it it's fair way. The distil

a toff ask for Leeds. They reserve space on the fringe to give

themselves try-scoring opportunities. It is still a tough

task. I think if Rob Burrow does get some ruck macros speed and an

opportunity, he is still as good as anybody in the game. Wigan can

create space on the outside. Defensively, both teams have to be

good. That might be the difference - who was prepared to scramble and

make the last ditch play. It is a battle of who makes mistakes, and

the code will be talking about possession but the quality of speed

will make the difference. Rugby has gone from rock'n'roll to balance

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big man, you would not want to argue with him, but how well has he

done? This is his first major assignment, the semi-final of the

Challenge Cup. The coaches have a big bearing in the build-up to the

game, how they adapt to it and what they show off to a player. Coaching

a big club like Wigan, this is probably a landmark day for him,

and you have got to win trophies at these big clubs. I know they have a

message board at home and they have written messages to motivate each

other. Sean Wain has written it will be the best moment of my life

to lead this team out. He desperately wants to do that at

Wembley at the end of August. He could not be more motivated and he

could not be more motivated and he has been talking to Tanya Arnold.

How much would it mean to take them to Wembley? It would mean a lot. We

have had a fantastic week of training, and they know this is

something different, something special. It is different for me

because I am Wigan born and I am desperate to get back to Wembley.

We have a real big obstacle in our way, Leeds are very well coached

and we need to do our best today. It wasn't that long ago you put 50

points past them but you will be expecting something different

today? Of yes, we won't even mention that game, it is a stand-

alone game. We need to be at our best but so do they. Where do you

think this will be won and lost? Who keeps the ball, low errors, and

I am hoping we will beat them today. Key to Wigan's performance as

always is this man, Sam Tomkins, one try short of 100 for Wigan and

just an exceptional talent. This ploy has X-factor, and he is

genuinely a freak in the nicest possible sense. Guns sense,

awareness, and the moment he gets an opportunity he will take it. I

can't speak highly enough about this man. A genuine superstar in

the game. His manager has said he is unfairly targeted by opposition

players, do you think that is true? It is a complement to his skill. He

is one of the major attacking threat to Wigan today. You look at

parts of their game, character Wise, on the left on side of the field,

on the right hand side, and players look at videos to find out how best

to do it. It is a compliment but He has flashy boots on, they are

half pink and half white. As for Leeds, let us hear from their coach

Brian McDermott. Brian, you have talked a lot about the momentum. It

is a happier camp at Leeds? It is happier. Happier in the way, there

has been spells this year where it has been tough. We have come

through that spell and within, we are in a lot better shape,

certainly better than we played the team we are about to play today. It

puts us in good stead to get on the field with him. You say you are in

better shape, it was a bad night for you. Do you learn anything from

that game or do you ignore it? were white hot that night and we

were off. We clearly were off. There is some things you can take

out of it, there is a danger in digging too deep. We have to get

past that defeat pretty quickly, does it have a bearing on today's

game? Not much. They might have a bit more confidence than we will be

anxious about it, if that sound right we have got past that.

desperate are this lot to get back to Wembley and lift that Challenge

Cup?. There is some frustration there. In recent history there has

been tough times but we want to get there again. Massively want to get

there again and get in the final and lift the the trophy. We have

the small matter of Wigan Warriors to overcome. They are a fantastic

team I will be a big game. Good luck. You can see Kevin Sinfield

and Jamie Peacock. But this guy is crucial. Danny McGuire. They are a

Band of Brothers and the 29-year- old needs to have a accident match.

Brian talks about the speed of the ruck. He relishes the speed. He

relishes when Rob Burrow comes on. The speed he gets round the ruck,

he has great anticipation, the ability to sniff out opportunities

for him to chime in. The other thing he will thrive in is Kevin

Sinfield's kicking game. When it gets momentum this is where he

comes in, he is a very talented and skilful running player and don't be

sur prieved the amount of off loads he gets. He is probably the

complete experienced six who plays in Super League. That is the scene

that waits the players. Kevin Sinfield ready to lead out the team.

They are big themselves as underdogs here, which is

interesting. Some of this can be about mind games. I am glad to say

the Leeds fans are in the ground. They delayed their run. The Wigan

fans got here early. It should be a good atmosphere. Do you think it is

in the head with Leeds? I don't think it is the focus for them.

They will cross that Hurd fundamental they get to the final.

This is a bigger hurdle. You mustn't take this Wigan team

lightly. They have talent in abaun dance, we see them getting ready, I

think this game is stand alone game. It is trap door rugby league.

an eye on that man on the left, Gareth Hock. That is what I was

talking about their influence, they haven't been able to cope with him.

He ran them ragged. His knees get up near his chin, he has the

ability to off load when he is harassed by defenders. He is the

best second row nearfully the world. Interesting that Leeds have come

out bang on time, and there are Wigan, I thought they had kept them

waiting: Wigan will be led out by Sean O'Loughlin and Leeds by Kevin

occasions down through the history of reeing. 51 Challenge Cup Cup

Final appearances between them and a Titanic tussle guaranteed before

one or the other makes it a 5 2nd final. Terrific atmosphere, inside

this ground, as you would expect. Semifinal day. Wembley awaits, 13

years, almost a generation have not seen Leeds win a Challenge Cup

final. Kevin Sinfield will name it as a burning ambition, no doubt, to

lead his team to glory at Wembley but first they have to navigate

this particular hurdle. And Wigan of course having won it last year

have the taste to do it again. Zak Hardaker had an interesting switch

to full back for Leeds in the absence of Brent Webb. He has been

effective. Sinfield and Maguire the halves. An extra prop in Ryan

Bailey. Matty Smith is cup tied so Sean O'Loughlin joining Brett Finch

in the Wigan halves. It is a tough looking pack as well, all the way

from last year's trophy winner, Lima all the way through to Chris

Tuson, who binds them all together, and some interesting looking

His counterpart is a Yorkshireman, and the man in charge is Ben Thaler,

semifinal here today. Nobody does it better. A 45th Challenge Cup.

Wig reason the form side. Players playing on top of their game in

Super League, if there is one side that can beat anyone on their day,

as they have shown in previous Super League play-offs is this

Leeds side. A lot of big game player, that is what Brian

McDermott said, they are tense because they know they have to

perform, otherwise they will be cut to ribbons by this very good Wigan

side. Kevin Sinfield said they need to improve 60 or 70% on last time

they played Wigan. They are capable one thing they can't do is to give

him space, if it is a kicking game, it has to be good. They have to

chase him down f he runs the ball back and makes yards they have o

put into touch. Every up and under they have to compete. They cannot

do anything expansive, they are going one man up. It is very

condensed and get a good kick in. They have the three props, today w

Peacock and Leuluai and Bailey, we saw that three drives from three

separate players so they are looking for a battle down the

middle. They know Wigan's pack is a big one. They are looking to match

like for like, if they can. They have to close finch down as well. I

think he has been superb in the Super League, he is controlling

everything. On his way at the end of the season, Finch. Some would

say he is in the best fom of his was caught very safely. That is a

very good take. Traffic in his face, takes it very cleanly, great start.

Nerve settlers, in the opening stages of a semifinal are

here today and go on and lift the Crown as well. It is a reflection

of how well they played. But as has been mentioned so many individuals

in that team and as a unit, capable of so much that is good, that it

should be very close. Tom kins on the stretch. He has lost it. Bail

ly with the opening score. That puts the cat among the pigeon, if

he is on side there is nothing else to look at. That is what I said,

you have to put them under pressure. All the up and unders have to be

spot on. Very difficult take by Tomkins,. We saw at one end the

kick taken. I think he is on side. Everyone on side. Ryan Hall was

certainly on side. The question is Ablett. I think he was in line as

well. And here is the finish. What a start for Leeds. The video

referee has seen enough, I think, we are going to get the decision

here. Ryan Hall, try is given. Leeds with the early blow. Exactly

what they needed. Exactly what they needed. A 98th Leeds try for Ryan

Hall. He has been dynamite. And starts in suitable style here today.

Just the start, as I say, mistake free coming out of your half, no

intention of giving a pass, forwards drive it up. Very very

good kick by this man Sinfield. Doesn't matter how well you are

playing, those up and unders are Leeds a 6-0 lead in the opening

stages. Watch this kick. Puts it up. It is swirl, it is going away from

him. Doesn't take it, great follow up. Ryan Hall, just watch it swirl

away at the end. Could have had a bit more help from his wingers

because he had to go a lot to his right. But a great start for Leeds.

Certainly steps it up, because we know there will be a reaction from

English coaches in charge of the teams, relatively so any way. They

both know what this is all about. Here is Delaney. Tomkins will look

for a big reaction, having made that early mistake. Sinfield is

referee is asking here, whether this is a 40-20. Interesting

reaction to Tom kirpbgs let us see what he thinks. I am not sure that

he knew that Sinfield was close, he was inside the 40 by a distance.

a mile. I said the kicking game had to be good. So far it has been

big mistakes by Sam Tomkins, you would have to say so far. The kick

was difficult. He might have made more of an effort. As it is Leeds

the clock. He is going to be OK to play the ball and get treatment.

Peacock propping it forward again. Ablett doesn't know where he is at

the moment. He has take an bump to the head. What a start by Leeds.

They are burning this one up. Six minutes played. Two tries on the

board, it is all Leeds so far, and Wigan are absolutely stuck on the

ropes and punch drunk. Great kick from Sinfield. It is just the in

and out, watch here, this is it. Comes outside the man, and that is

tripped on the outside. Very good passing. The next pass, watch him

drift quietly on the outside. Caught in no man's land Gelling,

highly thought of. Watkins has had Heri many injuries in his career so

far so he has not had that long devotee so far. It remains one out

of two for him. It is 10 points to Leeds with six minutes played, who

heavily, have England credentials. It is worrying the way Tomkins has

started here. Leeds are looking to bring Wigan deep inside their own

territory. He looked where Tomkins was, kicked it away for him. Gave

time for the trace to come off. Tomkins was thinking that Leuluai

was offside. He ran straight at him, looked at the referee, and the

completed their serfs. Wigan have had to come in deep from the 20

involved in helping his forwards out. Again, intent on taking the

ball in. Run borrows scuttling away. another mistake from Wigan.

Hardaker underneath the sticks! Wigan will complain, they thought

it was a forward pass, but that was have a problem. They stood and

complained when they should have been busy defending. Hardaker is

over! A definite forward pass but you have got to play the whistle.

Here is the mistakes. They play on. That is definitely a forward pass

but what the great offload. They stand-off, very good try. You look

at Sam Tomkins here, if you can see him from this angle, he a ears.

good support, Hardaker finishes. He had run away to complain. It is

that hole that they run through. The two players who complained,

that is where they run through. 0 and Shaun Wane is wandering when

his side will start this semi-final. It is an incredible start. It has

been a mistake three Rugby from Leeds. Three opportunities, three

tries, thanks very much. I don't think Wigan have had possession

inside their opponent's 1/2. even this early in the game, you

feel Wigan have to score next. I think they are an experienced side,

in the last four games they have really worked on their defence,

possession here, all things being equal. Let's have a look. No harm

there at all. He will be disappointed with that because they

had a perfect 13 minutes. Leeds fans in terrific voice at the

involved in a few years ago when they lost to Catalan, and Catalan

made an explosive start in that game. Hock, dropping the ball in

disgust. He runs beyond him, a very good defence. He got it right, but

I'm still not sure they are it goes to Hardaker, in the line

from full-back but can't find a way through. Wigan don't look that

immense. Make the tackle, stole the ball. Golding has had really fine

Wane knows how important this is now. They have to play themselves

What a start! It has been a really What a start! It has been a really

good start for the boys. They need to keep this pressure on the Wigan

team. We as though a -- was there a lot of talk about starting well?

knew we had to stick in there for Wigan's way, what can they make of

that? I think Leeds have got to keep to the same game plans they

did in the first 10 minutes - no mistakes and get the kick in early.

Sean O'Loughlin really does a lot Sinfield. A good chase by Leeds,

16-0, an incredible start from them. This is wrong -- wrath -- Rob

Burrow, shuffling away again. Very good player, Sam Tomkins moving

away. Still going, almost! Pull over at 40 metres. That was a great

run by Sam Tomkins, just what they wanted to lift the side. An amazing

run, absolutely nothing on him. He almost for the first time in the

game because Wigan are in an excellent position. They were

claiming the markers were not square, but the referee was having

referee says there was interference after the tackle - penalty for

Wigan. Kept him on, and there was a little hound on the back as well.

They get on with it. Lauaki driving hands to that. Good vision. On the

first tackle low, so just watch. He sees his extra man, does well,

doesn't he? Jones-Bishop. It is another set for Wigan to have

semi-final is on again. Jamie Jones-Buchanan missed the tackle on

Carmont in the middle. Simple play, steps inside. There is the penalty.

From the scrum, just watched. Simple play, Jamie Jones-Buchanan

is watching Tomkins. Just watch him. Watching, watching, watching

Tomkins, takes his eye off his man. That is all you need. You have to

have confidence on your inside defence and watch your own man.

Carmont is in confident form at the moment. Another one who leaves at

the end of the season. Looking for some late glory. It is Sam Tomkins

taking the kick for start he has got a strapping on his right knee,

so that might be the reason - their ears. A prolific points scorer this

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being a classic are living up to Zealand player. What can I say,

what an opening 20 minute, that is what we wanted for this game. One

of the things I reckon we need to keep an eye on is Sam Tomkins, he

played his part in all three of Leeds tries and I know as an

outstanding player... Here comes Hock. Tomkins is on the inside. The

reef has fallen over, Hock will go the distance. There is a bit of

trouble there. But it is a try. Again, as I mentioned early on, I

wasn't too sure that Leeds had worked out the fringe defence. They

came up quickly, they have got to come up together. There was a

massive haul there and Hock just cruised into it. Just watch, there

is the dummy run, Sinfield goes in. Watkins stays out. Inside support

by Tomkins. How confident was he there? The inside ball to Tom --

Tomkins was a 99%. The dummy runner goes through, so many numb goerns

outside. Sinfield, they targeted Sinfield again, that is a very good

finish by a man in form. Just a bit of nonsense at the end. Nothing too

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Tomkins with the kick and no problems. Pat Richards their number

two kicker out today. But Tomkins stepping in and he has put two over,

16-1 the score line. Finch, in control. Everything is done so well,

the dummy runners, second line of attack, they hold their depth. The

passing is clinical, it is just very very difficult to defend, and

I think they are brilliant at doing seen that and he is going to give a

scrum Leeds's way. So another mistake and another platform to

build here from Leeds. A breather for Leeds, they were under the cosh.

Just watch as he goes to the deck. gap. Hall for the corner scores.

What a great finishers. He is confident. Ryan Hall's reputation

goes before him. Give him an inch and he will take a yard, and he

scores his 99th try. Danny McGuire burst a tackle here. Gets the off

load. This is the mistake. I think it is Loughlin who makes a mistake.

Just watch. Very unusual to see. When he off loads, breaks the

tackle. That is a great pass and again what a tremendous finish.

Tremendous finish. Fantastic work with Danny McGuire. He is usually

the support player but once this guy has a chance, it's a great

finish once again. He has shown in anybody's company he is comfortable

in the quarter. Ryan Hall, we saw it against the Australians at

Wembley last year and he has carried on doing that on ta regular

basis. 20 points to 12. Kick to that left hand side, so 20-12 is

the difference thanks to Ryan Hall's second try of the day There,

from the mistake, gier makes the tackle, goes between two players. -

- Danny McGuire. What a great looking to get out of trouble but

Wigan meeting them, with a bit of mighty muscle to make sure they are

kept as close to their own goal- line for as long as possible.

Tkwran has news on the touchline. I have Pat Richards with me. What do

you make of the game so far? It has been a frantic pace so far, Leeds

have capitalised on a few mistakes but it has been a good game so far,

full credit to Leeds at the moment. You are not a team whose heads are

going to drop. That is right. When we get our players on we are

effective. So it is getting back and completing sets and getting

into good position. Then we should Whites today. Yes. Yes. A few

mistakes. That is a poor pass, they might well be. Five tackles

from here. 30 metres away from that Options a right and left. Burrow is

going to go left. Across the line. Jones-Bishop from a standing start,

tries to take them on, Wigan's defence scrambled across, here

comes the last. Sinfield, sends the kick spinning away. Hall. Tomkins

gets about ten y yards away and got have scored here. And Ryan Bailey

is celebrating in the man over a man who is confident. "I have

scored "he says. From the player's reaction you have to give a try.

Hand comes loose. Try. Only has to touch the whitewash. Only has to

touch that line to be a try. So has it touched that line. Yes, it has.

Just. Just is enough. Interesting, the penalty, I would like to see

that penalty decision once again. It is another, another Leeds try.

They have already scored five this afternoon. They lead now 24-12.

Just watch. Two men in a tackle he say, then... He said play on.

Two on the tackle. When a guy is going for a try, that is a hash

call on the Leeds fan, there is a try, simple. He goes in. Run, spins,

the what do you think? The ball is in one hand, it is up to the player

carrying the ball to make the ball secure, not the defender I feel.

That is a good call for Leeds. A poor call for Wigan. Sinfield puts

it over. 26 points to 12. Let us look at this again. I am interested

to see this again. He goes, he goes for it. He makes a tackle. Loughlin

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can't leave the ball here. Loughlin and Charnley, but I felt that Rob

Burrow, he was waiting for... A stand off to get on his other

shoulder. He is looking at him, looking at him, Charnley and

Tomkins communicate that. Is a great tackle. Danny McGuire was

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for himself or his winger. The defenders are there to stop him.

there is one side who turns up on the day and can beat anybody, it is

Leeds. What a first half performance. That is a great kick

and a tremendous take. Pursue a -- A superb try. Great athleticism,

great finish. They have had a great couple of seasons. I think this is

the best performance I have ever seen from a Leeds side. The first

half performance has been amazing. One mistake may be from the Danny

McGuire knock-on and that is it. They have been so clinical. They

were slow out of the blocks in the Wembley final last year, but they

almost got back into contention. hitting the post. Brian McDermott

in his dreams last night might have had this scenario, but in no other

situation could you imagine this. Attacking the ball, a great finish.

It is very difficult, no matter how good you are, if the kick is there,

and you compete for it, it will used every four, momentum of his

key in sport. We have seen the swings of momentum in the first

half. Leeds have just got to close down the first half, not conceding

have the ball. I'm surprised, he is the only kicker Leeds have used in

this first half, and Wigan have been very lethargic. They have not

put pressure on him at all. There is Crabtree, he will be hoping for

a good game tomorrow. That is the Huddersfield Giants game you can

see tomorrow at 5:15pm. I don't think he will be looking as cool

getting into his stride. Wigan have not had a chance to assert

themselves today. Possession 65% in favour of Leeds, and territory.

pass was not good, kicked on. He traces it. Flower! Against all the

odds, the pass was a shocker. Somehow Flower gets his foot to it,

and that was a great finish by Flower. Great presence of mind and

great ruck work here. The short pass, fair -- moved away. What a

great finish. Finch, lovely ball, measured ball. Jones-Buchanan

misses his man again and that is a great volley. Good finish. That

will give Wigan Paul the impetus they want for the second half.

that had gone to hound, he might have been tackled short. If you

look at it, Flower should have an incredibly high scoring game.

Just watch - it is a lovely ball. He throws the dummy, just watch.

Goes to his thought and he finishes it extremely well. What a first

half of rugby we have had. They are two prop forwards of the old school.

I think they might be a little purple in the dressing rooms at

league, but Leeds will be thinking every time they have attacked they

have Scott, whereas Wigan have not really been in the game and yet

they have got 18 points. That is the worry for Leeds in the second

half. Oh les two scores behind. -- only. The clock has gone. The next

time we are in play, the hooter will sound. He has got to go for

the goal. They need a two converted if he kicks this, 10 points the

difference. There is the hooter, belatedly sounding. We know that

once this ball goes dead, this is the end of the half. Then we can

get our breath back as commission market has been astonishing. Who is

your money on, Dave? In the words of John clear, if you lend me 20

word I might have a dabble, but if it is my own money I am keeping it

very well, and a fitting finale to what has been a breathtaking first

half. Two tries for him, two tries on the other side, a plethora of

tries all round, which means Leeds What the match, what a contest.

Sinfield's kick, Tomkins couldn't take it, Ryan Hall scored within

four minutes. Jones-Bishop going through, a mistake, Hardaker

scoring 16-0 Leeds leading. Extraordinary, but Wigan hit back.

Ryan Hall again, his highlights will make the highlights. Six tries

in total for Leeds, utterly incredible, before flower-power

came at the end, Flower scoring for Wigan. We have had a first half of

nine tries and 50 points. The sun is shining, I don't know what is

happening. Unbelievable, and a lot of people getting in touch through

Twitter to say this this stunning. We have an awful lot to analyse,

and we will do that in a few moments after we hear from Tanya

Arnold with Robbie. The atmosphere down here is

fantastic. Can you some that one up? Where do you start? If any

other Superleague teams are watching, this is how you play

against Wigan, you take the game to them. We can I used to dominating

the game, from the first minute of the last. Leeds came out, they're

really opened the can, they poured it all over Wigan, then Wigan had

to chase the game. Then Leeds came back into the game, then Wigan have

to chase again. Leeds have dominated as you say, but Wigan are

still in this - will that worry Leeds? It is exactly right. Five

minutes before the half-time, a 30- 12, that looks very different but

going in before half-time the score the try, get the penalty kick and

the conversion as well, it is only 10 points difference. Wigan need to

come out, take the game back to them. Leeds need to make Wigan

frightened again, forcing them to make mistakes again through their

great defence in the first half. What a cracker.

If the second half lives up to that, we might be in for one of the best

rugby league matches ever! Leeds rugby league matches ever! Leeds

Robbie made the point, you still can't call it because there is only

10 points in it and Shaun Wane will have a lot to say to his players.

think we thought it was a cricket game in the first half with the

game in the first half with the amount of points. You have got to

admire the skill, but also both teams - and Wigan are renowned for

their defence. Looking at Leeds, the amount of possession they had,

they have got to have that many points. To score 20, Wigan have

done extremely well. The questions we will be asking is Leeds

defensively on the end have not sorted the problem out and Hock on

the other side, their defence is that C. Shaun Wane is not overly

depressed. He is furious but the adrenalin must be so high for both

sides with that many tries being scored. It is certainly unusual for

Wigan. We have not seen this before, and that his credit to Leeds.

Burrow has had a lot of space, but in Wigan on the back foot. They

have dominated possession because of the amount of tries they scored

and Leeds will be fairly relaxed. love these dressing room shots, the

body language says so much. Brian McDermott not even saying anything.

He needs to mention a few things. I think they have got the message now,

they appreciate they have not been where they should have been, but

Leeds need to reinforce some serious messages because 10 points

is not enough. When you have the ball, you need to complete your

Serps. He is saying to them, we need to get a percentage up to 80.

Brian McDermott started Burrow, and they very much exposed Wigan during

the rucks. Tomkins, hard catch, but the presence of support. The kick

is only as good as the chase. have three blue shirts against two

red and white shirts. When he makes a hash of that, there are plenty of

Leeds players to pick a tour. Wigan love a good start, they looked to

be in charge, they love to be dominant and Leeds took that away

from them. Sam Tomkins may be on the end of some of this from Shaun

Wane because while that mistake was may be given, it was a very

difficult catch, this was not. To not know Sinfield was in position,

why did he let that go out? He obviously Miss Read That. I have to

say, it was a fabulous kick, and gives them field position. Anthony

Gelling on the outside is a bit too tight, and when Danny McGuire skips

out, he'd just leaves the winner with a clear run. It is a great

finish. Looking at Finch and Carmont, experienced campaigners,

exposing their defence and staying together, he has like a rabbit in

headlights. You said Josh Charnley was looking a little ginger, and he

dropped a to allow Hardaker to They got good pressure. It just

looks a bit not quite there, doesn't it with his movements and

ricochets the ball and not a strong enough carrier, that is great call

from play on and Leeds capitalise that. There is a forward passer,

Sam Tomkins is begging the referee to give, instead o being in the

line. If he concentrates on the play he makes the tackle. Can I ask

you, why would that go to the video ref? He can rule on the majority of

moments but a forward pass, you can't get the right camera angle.

So, it is play on. The referee is on the right thing. But Sam Tomkins

at fault, for trying to encourage the whistle and not playing.

Clearly a forward pass, that is frustrating for a player, Sam

Tomkins, if he had concentrate on the tackle they might not have

scored. To be fair to Tomkins, he was the one who led the charge as

Wigan try tried to get back into the match. He is sliepry like an'll.

He gets ino eel. He is strong enough to give Jamie Jones, he is

so worried about the people on the back of the line, instead of

tackling the person in front. He is worried on what is going on at the

back of him. George Carmont is on him, he is a great captain, he is

straight through Jamie Jones's tackle. It is a great finish from

George Carmont. Close range for George Carmont. In contrast, look

at Hock, he vung 60 metres here. This epitomises what Ian was saying.

The Leeds team, if anything, Brian McDermott has to concentrate on who

is going to take who in defence, they create the numbers on theout

side with Finch, and Hock maybe should have passed on the outside.

Stay together. Work as a unit. Work together. We have players getting

up stream, so it is hard to see what he is doing and who he is on.

Where the threat is, they don't seem to identify the threat. They

seem to be more worried about Tomkins out the back or "I have to

get to my man." Deal with the threat, stay together. At that

point it was 16-12. You are thinking Wigan will still do this.

But, I mean, Leeds were stunning then, I mean, they were

extraordinary, the way they kept going. It is like a boxing match

where you think he is on rope, then they come back, back of a mistake

from Wigan. Gives Leeds field position again and normally they

have to work to get field position on Wigan, but Danny McGuire

skipping through, and unleashing Ryan Hall in the corner. He is too

big and too strong. It is working for them. They didn't tackle him,

that is money ball from Dany he skip and found some space, that is

an unbelievable spinnish -- finish with three Wigan defenders on him.

You can spot him with the new blonde hair and bear in mind six

tries in that first half, for Leeds, and every part of their game

working, rub Burrow being crucial in the middle and Kevin Sinfield

kicking beautifully, they may not be on the board as try scorers but

they are doing their bit to mane make it. Let us fee the referee got

it right here. When there is two in a tackle, Jonathan made a good

point, you have to deny someone from scoring a try here. I don't

think it was a penalty. I think he has pulled his arm. From the

penalty they need to do better than that, so a couple of things they

are in control of, the concentration elements we saw from

Sam Tomkins, and there with three defenders on the line they are not

the issue. They will focus on the forward pass and maybe knock the

penalty they should have got in relation to losing the ball to Ryan

Hall. Let us look at the second try from Jones-Bishop. It is perfect.

He practises more than anyone, Kevin Sinfield, he gets rewards for

it. That wouldn't be kicked in hope, he would have done that hundreds of

times in the week. They would have practised catching skill from a

winger, a winger has to be acrobatic in the air, he has to

have great hand, he has to reach out for try, we talk about every

time they go to this edge play, where they have a lead runner, and

a runner at the back, they don't defend on it, and you look on that

one there, I think it was Jones- Buchanan, we can see Tomkins, we

talk about great players creating threats off the ball. He creates

that. That would be the majority of the half-time talk, about field

position, you have deny that play, but also how are we going to defend

that play better. The score line is probably not indicative of how well

Leeds are playing. I think that is a big worry for Leeds. We can't

possibly have another 50 points in the second half. I think you will

see a slow down and more defence, because as much adds we say both

teams have to score to win, defence will win the second half. There is

so much to discuss and there will be once the match is finished and

we know who is in the final. So get in touch please. Masses of comments

already. I will try to get through a lot of them in the red button

forum. That is coming up at 7.30 when we are off air. If you are

tuning in and flicking through the channel, this is as good a game of

rugby league as you will ever see, and let us see if we have more to

come in the second half. Leeds are leading 30-20, against the hot

favourites Wigan. It is the semifinal of the Challenge Cup and

here is part two with Dave Woods here is part two with Dave Woods

here is part two with Dave Woods and Jonathan Davies.. It's a game

that is dripping in history. Wigan 18 times cup winner, 1924 the first

time they lifted perhaps the most famous trophy in the world of rugby

league and Leeds 11 times winners but they have more history. 1910.

1999 the last time they won it. 13 year, they have been there, in

finals since, I think they have lost five of the last 12. They

would love to win it and get there. Wigan would love to get there as

well. It is all up for grabs. sun is out as well. How nice to see

were exceptional. Just shows the attacks threat of this Wigan side,

and I think they have to pick up the defence, the fringe defence is

going to be key in this second half. Hock and Tomkins will be targeting

the inside man of both centre, that is what they will try to do. Tanya,

what news from the touchline. Shaun Wane has been blunt so the defence

was woeful. They have to tighten up on the tackle: They had a lack of

composure. He said they were lucky to be within ten points and they

have to step up. Leeds are disappointed. They should have kept

on top of the game, but they had Wigan to run. Brian McDermott happy

they are doing some of the things they have been doing in training

and they have to keep doing that. offensively but certainly

defensively because he makes some big hits. He is one of the biggest

hitters in the game. Griffin is on Gelling. He is capable of some big

plays. These wingers are getting is underneath it. How long did that

tackles. Watch this defence. Wigan will switch it on. I wouldn't be

surprised if the early kick came in circumstances, Charnley has to take

his time. The chase is on, he is only up to the 20 metre mark. Good

chase by Leeds. A good kick again, split the full back, and the

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Finch taken with the ball in his they, they are off loading ball.

Slowing it down. Burrow now. is going to be a dummy. Very

explosive, playing the ball. wasn't far, wasn't far away. Held

up over the line in fact, that is why the play of the ball was ten

at the moment. Their side are leading by 30-20. Tomkins push one

away. Goulding. Hall is across between Delaney and one of the

Wigan players. I think it was Hock that, the, they aren't going

forward, that is the thing. Finch usually has a far bigger influence,

crux here. -- reck kus here. 6 -- from the Salford City Stadium -

Warrington versus Huddersfield BBC you weeks ago, Leeds but they have

won the Last four. They are getting a form. Delaney, on the inside! The

referee says play on and the try is a good one. McIlorum, desperately

trying to intercept. I would like to see this again because it looks

like a knock-on. Let's see what happens here. Delaney cutting

inside Hock. Goals than the McGuire and knock back on? -- Does McGuire?

That he is a knock-on. McIlorum, knocking it back the way he was

playing, but the try has been given. If anything, there has been a few

decisions that have favoured Leeds. Leeds are riding there -- their

luck. All the coaches can do is twitch in their seats. This was

clearly a knock-on. Clear. That is a poor decision. That is what they

think of it. There is about 5000 video referees. But the video

referee, his advice was not sought. time Wigan threaten to get back

into the game, but La won try, the Tomkins penalty just before the

break, Leeds have a response. The kick is good, just a little too

long. They have got class players who can turn it on. Yes, you have

dips in form, but the big games, the big-match experience always

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

come through and Leeds have shown option. They should have kept the

ball in hand. He has played it well, Hardaker at the back. He came as a

winner, didn't he? We have seen him play a lot of the centres at late.

It has been a very good move, as you say. Leeds, their confidence

will be high, and any opportunity they will Smith fouled. They know

how dangerous Wigan can be, but if they keep scoring it puts the

defending? It is always about events but you can't stop them

attacking. Hardaker is doing pretty well in your position, isn't he?

has been fantastic the whole time I have been out. You would like him

to get out there and give yourself a chance, would you? Definitely,

driving a kick downfield, hoping to drive Leeds backwards. Into the

arms of Hardaker, runs it back. They will be happy taking the ball

they call Kevin because they reckon he is the next Kevin Sinfield. A

big reputation to live up to, especially when Kevin Sinfield is

think it is a bit early yet. Just keep your shirts on! Here is

Carmont. A again, the extra man there. Very lateral, Wigan, very

absolutely brilliant at the moment. They are forcing them to kick the

ball high. They have created holes, keeping Leeds on the front for to

and keep punching holes until Wigan don't think Sinfield was either.

Still over 20 minutes to go, so we know how quickly a game can change.

A good run by a Hughes, that is Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!

Wigan state their case again. good luck this time favouring Wigan,

a great chip from O'Loughlin, a super trace. They are back again.

Watching the bounce of the ball, never giving up on it, that was a

great finish. Really well read by Sean O'Loughlin because I think

Tomkins was cooking for himself there. It is always better to kick

what someone else because the person kicking it will get stopped

or blocked. Inside support, lovely Tomkins. There is a competition for

which set of fans can out-sing each other at the moment. 12. The

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remains. -- put it wide. Extra- Offloading to Tomkins. He never

gives up and drags him down. This effort by Wigan needed. It is a

swirling wind, isn't it? Only now all all the Leeds players are right

behind the ball. There is a reminder of the red button foreign.

Look how Leeds are being penned so close to their own line. They have

to take these risky of loans. The Wigan defence is on top at the

away. Tomkins picks it up, back to ball. It is a contest and that is

taking it out of for them on the moment. A difficult one for Anthony

Gelling, and it is out of play. Another mistake, and we have seen

how often these mistakes had been punished. Not happy, is he? A poor

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going for a drop goal. It's a terrific strike for Kevin Sinfield

and tack lick -- tactically spot on. It is now a three score game. Wigan

have to score three tries to win it from here. Top two inches, nothing

else on. Between the posts. Lovely lovely kick. Always thinking,

always koorblgs and so often producing the goods. Kevin Sinfield.

37-24. And also now, the clock, they will have one eye on the clock,

Wigan. I think we can hear from Brian temperature noble, what do

you make of this? I think Leeds are playing particularly well. The

orchestrater in chief is rub Burrow and Kevin Sinfield is a master

tactician, they are very directing round the ruck which has been

troubling Wigan, Wigan are trying to pass round Leeds at the moment,

whereas perhaps they should be patient to stick round the ruck to

give themselves an opportunity to execute their skills. But Leeds

that Wigan are trying a little bit too hard, they lost that bit of

composure. How much does that drop goal just kick the stuffing out of

them? A lot, I can tell you. never looked, it wasn't oven.

Sinfield running it wide and popping it over from an angle..

Hock hasn't been in the game long. to challenge for the ball. If you

put it in the air you have to challenge, because a player, that

calibre, Hall, is not going to drop it. You want to get your hand in

that Wembley final, they all want the ball. They are all carrying it.

It's a simple game plan. Sinfield will step in. Maguire. Lovely

dancing feet from him but equally good response in defence from

Hughes. There he is goes, in the corner. That doesn't matter. They

Leeds can hold it stable. 13 and some minutes to go. Three scores

get up there. Hardaker, very good tackle to get in there. Is that the

chance? Is that the one chance they had? What a tackle by Hardaker, as

we mentioned earlier, that is the bust, defend, he the sides he can't

see Tom kins on the inside. He is never going to get on the outside

of the full back. He has had a high in intensity and high on

adrenaline. Two sides, fighting for the ultimate prize, a place at

Wembley Stadium, the Challenge Cup final. The oldest, the most

glittering of rugby league prizes and at the moment it ised will who

are -- Leeds who are one step away. Off he gos with a scamper. -- goes.

Maguire will put the kick down field. It is looking for no for

Good defence again. What a performance this has been by Leeds

controversy. Moments when Wigan will feel the referee's decision

was against them. There have been mistakes but take nothing away from

the side in blue and ad amber who have done the job but there might

be a response yet from Wigan. Plenty of time to score again,

goes to McIlorum. Across the line. Goulding, Charnley. Leeds defenders

are scrambling round him. That was five yards away, in is the last. It

is slow. It very slow. Sinfield sums it up. Wigan so close, Leeds

desperately hanging on. Another superb tackle by hard ache e you

think he is in. What a tackle. Hardaker. All the talk before the

game was about one full back, but I tell you it is another one who was

catching the headlines at the moment. Zak Hardaker. Not just for

his running but defensive stint at times He has had two try saving

tackles in the space of the last five minutes. Burrow! Tomkins

inside. Hurls out to Hall. Hall is going for the hat-trick. What a

recovery by Charnley. There is one try you thought was going to be

scored by Tomkins, that Leeds try should have been scored. He looked,

at the difficult option. After all the hard work. He had his partner

Danny McGuire on his shoulder. Let's see. His arm hit the ground.

It has to be... He is in touch. has reached out again. He is in

touch. What a tackle. The option was to give it to Danny McGuire.

Danny McGuire was on hiz his shoulder. This was a break and a

move that had everything that was good about rugby league. We will

watch it again in a minute. We have to get this sorted out. Has he has

a touch? Yes, he has had a play before he touches it down. It is

either going to be a penalty, or a touch, isn't it. But double

movement or a penalty. The way the decisions have gone against Wigan

though, it could be a try! Shake of the head from Ryan Hall. They feel

they should have scored there. This would have made certain they would

have gone to Wembley if he had scored. There is a big sigh from

the Wigan supporters who felt this was, no try, but the fact we are

looking at another replay we are seeing on the big screen in the

Surely there is a double movement that... Oh. Here we come. Here we

go. What is it going to be. No try. Penalty. We have watched the

whitewash. What is the point of that. It has been given for the

double movement He should have given it to Danny McGuire.

watch Danny McGuire. He seems up. Watch him. There is the pass. What

a great tackle this is. What a fantastic tackle. Fantastic. In a

semifinal that has already had loads, we are just seeing utter

class. 37-24. Nine minutes left to watching here. Can't believe it.

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That is it. The clock is there. Tomkins to his left. Here comes

Tomkins, takes it in and runs away. Another wonderful recovery from

Watkins. It has been amazing team effort. Still alive. It is dropped

on by Ben Flower. So the tackle count starts again. This is the

Charnley's over. A hint of a recovery here from Wigan. Just

enough time, 37-28. Kick to come. Quick conversion now. What a break

again, Hock, what an angle by Hock. Splits the defence, great support

of by Tomkins, just watch, because the ball is behind Tomkins, gives

that opportunity for watt kips to get at him. Then they move no the

in a way it doesn't really matter. Because they still have to score

Breathtaking. Great game P -- game. His heart will be thumping.

Everybody's heart is thumping. There are six minutes left to play.

Enough time for the miracle recovery, and Leeds know that.

Leeds know that they have to cope their concentration. Wigan know

they have to cope their hope. Keep their belief. It all boils down to

there. Quick, get the scrum. They are all going, get in there.

Referee stops the clock. I have to candidates. There might be another

hero in the making in the last six necessarily for the score here but

to keep the pressure on Leeds at because the referee much earlier

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

forward handover. They will slow he is saying is, if you are going

to beat us, you have got to do it from 180 yards. Leeds simply have

to hold on. Anthony Gelling threatening the break. Finch was

convinced Leeds were not square at shoulder, it sits, can't get the

ball away. The handover, and Leeds will have it again here. Two

minutes to go, you would think they are very nearly there now. So you

are very nearly there with your decision on man-of-the-match?

a very tough decision. Hardaker has been fantastic in the second half.

But for his general play, his tactical kicking, you know in

general leading them around the field, my car -- man-of-the-match

is Kevin Sinfield. Well done to him. He is not a stranger to being a

big-game player on the big occasion, is up now. Yes, a fantastic game.

Wembley again, last year beaten by Wigan in the final, this year they

got rid of that threat at the semi- final stage. Leeds begin to

congratulate themselves because as the clock ticks down, they know now

what it is an inevitable return to the capital. It has been a

fantastic game of rugby league. I just feel that the clear they have

completed their sets, they have had a good kicking game, but their

execution and the clinical way they finished those tries has been the

difference. The clock is eventually stopped. Frustrating if you are on

the losing side, knowing there is nothing you can do about this. We

41 seconds to play, Kevin Sinfield prepares himself for a conversion,

rather a penalty it tends. The two points hardly matter but that is

not what he will be thinking. Over it goes. Ever the perfectionist.

The man who has led his side with terrific character and pedigree

today. What a performance by Brian McDonagh at's Leeds Rhinos. They

came in as underdogs, they came out of it top dogs. Wigan have been

humbled. 17 seconds left. Too much for Wigan to do in too little time.

Here comes the countdown. The Leeds supporters will bellow out these

last five seconds. It has been a fantastic semi-final here. The

referee blows his whistle, a hooter sounds. Leeds are the underdogs are

through to Wembley. It has been a 13 year it since the last Challenge

Cup final. Is this the year they finally do it? Will this be their

time? We will know when about three weeks' time. They have to be at

their best, and they were deserving winners. They will be tough to beat

at Wembley. A fantastic game, and worthy winners on this occasion.

said at the start that history, pedigree tells you this should be a

classic, and a boy, has it been a classic. Well done, but they were

pushed all the way. I am with Brian McDermott now. How

proud are you of that scene? staff we have got, we are very

lucky because we are in charge of a group of very courageous brave

blokes. That was a sensational game but I can't take my hat off to

Wigan enough. I thought we have the game a couple of times but they

kept coming back from the death. I am really pleased for the players,

they were sensational. A few times in that game we had to find out

about ourselves and they did that. You hit them so early, was that the

plan? They are such a good team, Shaun Wane has done such a good job

with them and we knew we had to be very good to compete with them, let

alone beat them. That was not so much an insight full game plan, we

just have to meet their intensity. The players deserve a lot of credit.

I am not sure what to say - they have to pick themselves up so many

times in that game and resist what Wigan tried to do to us. Once again,

we have been through the male, had a tough times. We find ourselves at

Wembley again, brilliant. That must sound nice. Brilliant. It is a

great occasion, one of the best in the world and we are very fortunate

to be there again. Let's bring in the manner of the match, Kevin

Sinfield. You're presented with the man-of-the-match award. Many

congratulations. You get to go to Wembley again. It has been a tough

few weeks, especially after the hiding we got by Wigan last time.

We have cut finally come into some form in the last four games. I am

stored here with this award but our pack was outstanding. Griffin,

Bailey, the big men up front. you got off to such a role but they

came back at you at half-time. they are a great side, a champion

side. They are still the best team in the competition so we have to

turn up and do something a little bit different which meant we

conceded some points but thankfully we were good enough in the end.

don't have to go back to many weeks to remember you looking at each

other and wandering what was going on, and yet now you are going to

the Wembley final. We won't get carried away, we have been there

before and had our bones smacked. This is magnificent again for us

today, and fingers crossed this time. Congratulations. Burrow, a

fantastic game, you looked like you enjoyed it. Yes, the semi-final was

always good. To play it seemed like Wigan, you have got to bring your

game. You have been celebrating with the fans, it means so much to

have another chance. Yes, it has evaded us in the pass. We still

have a big job on our hands but we will enjoy it. How much has this

competition been a focus for you guys? It is a focus every year but

especially this year. After the exploits of last year, we knew we

wanted to get to Wembley and have a dig. If one more man next to you,

another couple of tries for you. Your trademark, just getting the

ball in. Yes, I tried to do my best on the big stage. I got a bit of a

knock this morning so I felt like a passenger, but thanks to the other

lads. You wouldn't have known it. Difference from all of you guys in

that second half you knew Wigan would come back at you. Yes, it is

our time again to get to that final, third time lucky. Bring on that

Challenge Cup at the end of the This is going to be a very happy

place for the next half-hour. The Leeds Rhinos celebrating a stunning

victory. Six tries in the first half, a sensational performance. As

for Wigan, heartbreaking, crushing. They didn't get any of the calls

and terms of the referee decisions. An awful lot to discuss about that

in the red button for Rome. For that group of players, Kevin

Sinfield, Rob Burrow, coming up together, you feel the Challenge

Cup is the one thing that are missing. The old guard came to the

fore today, Jamie Peacock leading from the front, Leuluai. The

forwards were immense around the middle. Rob Burrow ruined Wigan

around the ruck. A couple of decisions about knock-ons, and in

the second half we saw a different but no less exciting second half.

How cool is Kevin Sinfield under pressure? To turn at the two tried

difference into a three tried difference. They have won the super

League titles but the Challenge Cup has always been there for them. We

keep talking about it but the job is not finished yet. They have

still got to play the winner of Warrington versus Huddersfield but

I like the way they started positive. They've really got Wigan

on their heels. We can normally gang tackle you but they didn't

have that. I was worried in the second half for Leeds, I thought

they would shut up shop but they looked really good. If as you said,

Warrington versus Huddersfield and we will be showing that match

tomorrow, 5:15pm on BBC Two. If you want to come to the final at

Wembley at the end of August there are plenty of tickets available. We