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

Warrington take on the Leeds Rhinos in the first of the Challenge Cup

semifinals. The fans are coming in in their thousands. The teams have

arrived. Ben Westwood from Warrington getting a good look case.

A huge welcome for the Leeds Rhinos. Kevin Sinfield back in the side. Up

for grabs a place at Wembley and the chance to lift this famous trophy.

Warrington have done it three times in the last five years. Leeds Rhinos

have had a different experience. Leeds. The Warrington players have

come out to do their warm up. The Rhinos coming out as well. You can

contact us throughout the afternoon on social media. We have a very

special guest with us this afternoon, who knows something about

winning the Challenge Cup. One of the fastest forwards in world

rugby. Denis Betts... He is going for the line! He is in!

It is Denis Betts! A very big welcome to the Widnes

coach Dennis Betts. You have not aged a bit. Alongside him we have

Pharrell Crabtree and Brian Noble. I was just about to say I have aged

really well! Some great pictures there. A great feeling. I can still

feel the same excitement now. The anticipation, this is a big game.

Really exciting. Tomorrow you will be getting your site ready to send

them out against Castleford. Are the nerves jangling? I am enjoying being

here today because there is nothing at stake! We have worked hard this

week. We have expectation about being successful instead of anxiety

about not. It is a big game for the club. We will look ahead to that one

at half-time. What about this game? Can you call it? It is very close.

It is going to be a great game. You have two contrasting styles. Teams

who want to play with the ball. Coaches who know each other Inside

Out. They have got very similar philosophies. They heighten the

skill. It will be an exciting day. Do you expect this to be really

tight, Brian? Really close. Neither team will change their philosophy.

They both like to play football. The difference may be the decision one

player makes, whether to flowed, whether to play or not. You have to

be clinical at times. The bounce of the ball today is going to be

absolutely vital and the decision-making process. We alluded

in the opening two Leeds's recent history. They wanted so much. Is

that the dilemma for them, that they almost wanted too much? You could

say that. It is down to the experiences of the players

themselves. They will use that as motivation to get to the final.

Whoever they meet, if they do get there, I going to be fantastic

themselves. They are the big performances where you need to put

it in on the day. For a Leeds it has not happened. Warrington at the

Kings of the Challenge Cup. They know how to get through this game,

Leeds? That is exactly it. Semifinals out what they do best.

Leeds every single time, they get into these games and they are

nowhere near. There were a couple of games where they got close. A lot of

it was down to the weather. This year could be different. They will

use the experience yet again to get there. Then it is about putting in

the performance which seems to have been missing in the past. Lets see

where they sit in the Super League table. Leeds in third. Warrington

had a difficult start to the season but they have picked up. Let's hear

now from the Leeds Rhinos coach, Brian McDermott.

Brian, the big names you arrested last week all return. Your captain

is back as well. How much does Kevin Sinfield enhance this team? He

certainly enhances it. It is not all about Kevin. We have got some names

back in the team. Whoever is on the field will have to perform today. It

is not about who is on the team sheet, we have two string a

performance together against a good Warrington team that has a great

success rate in this competition. They have enjoyed huge success in

this competition. Is it a different proposition playing them here in the

semifinal rather than at Wembley in the final? There is a difference.

The fact remains you have to play well. I suppose we are not under the

spotlight as such, although everywhere you look there is a

camera. It is a little bit different. There will not be as many

people. It is not Wembley. The effects of Wembley can have a

bearing on people's performance. A slight change. We have to play well.

That does not change. That still remains.

Kevin Sinfield back. Who else do we need to look out for? It is a

star-studded line-up. Jack Hardaker back. Briscoe and Hall, current

internationals. When they get the opportunity to finish, they will.

Exciting centre partnership. Kallum Watkins and Joel Moon. And there he

is, Kevin Sinfield, pivotal to whatever leads want to achieve.

Watch Danny McGuire on the back of any thing that Jamie Peacock doors.

An experienced front row, Jamie Peacock, Rob Burrow and Leuluai. He

will try to find some early ball for this leads team. An experienced back

three. Carl Ablett always produces something in the big game. Paul

Aiton coming off the bench and Ryan Bailie -- Bailey.

What is going to be the game plan for the Leeds Rhinos? Let us talk to

Robbie and Paul. I am studying the middle of Langtree Park. It is

gorgeous here. We will have a look at both of these squads. So much

international class. I want to focus on a couple of players. Danny

McGuire over there. And that is Rob Burrow. One of the most devastating

strike forces the Super League has ever seen. He is four foot nothing,

yet he plays in a big man's sport. When he gets the ball in hand, keep

your eyes on him. We have just been talking about Kevin Sinfield. I will

see if I can grab his attention. Kevin, can I ask you a quick

question on how you think the preparation has gone? Preparation

has gone really well. As you know Robbie, it is about what we do

today. Looking forward to it. Good luck. He will be moving them around

the field. If he does his job well today you could be looking at the

finalists. Robbie, you are actually bigger than Rob Burrow? You have not

got heels on again? This is just to make me feel better! Rob is down

about here. If I take my heels off, we are on even par.

We talked about Kevin Sinfield. Shock waves through the game with

the headbutt. Looking on, was it just that it was Kevin Sinfield that

did this? It is a shock because Kevin is so composed. Who knows what

was said to him? It is great to see him in these big games. You want

your best players. It is really good for the game. At least we know he is

not a machine now. He has got feelings like the rest of us. When

you headbutt an Australian, it is not too bad in my book! He is key

though, isn't he? Of course ears. He will marshal them around the field

his knowledge of the game and how to play the game and do the right

things at the right time, if they do not have him in the team they are

not as organised, they do not kick at the right times. They defend

really well with him in the side. He makes that big difference to the

team. Also, they seem to perform better as a unit. They work harder

and seem to have more professionalism will stop They

rested a lot of players last week but lost against Bradford. Is that

the gamble for Brian McDermott, that you do not go into this with

momentum? No team likes to lose but Leeds were ordinary on the night.

Everything Bradford kicked at them Leeds managed to find a way to drop

the ball. Bradford were very rigorous. -- vigorous. They are

relegated. You can see how much the local derby meant to them. Brian

will be disappointed but it will not effect today. Tony Smith is a former

Leeds Rhinos coach. He joined Warrington in 2009, the first year

they lifted the Challenge Cup. It is fair to say the competition means a

lot to this Warrington side. Three wins in four years.

For those involved in any of those three, they remember what it was

like. That is a great incentive to get back there and do it again. For

those who have not been involved, I think they get the message from the

players who have been there and they would like to taste that success as

well. You have to perform well each game. The Challenge Cup is not like

regular competitions. It is all or nothing. There are some big game

players in our team. It has been a transition period. It probably

showed at the beginning of the year. We have come through now. The

preparation has been good. We have a special relationship with the

Challenge Cup. Three years out of five is pretty good going.

I want some more. They are a terrific bunch of players

at Leeds. I have got the utmost respect for them. Quality players

across the board. We will have a healthy respect. We feel that if we

do our things well, we can challenge most themes. -- teams. They are a

quality team. We have to be fully switched on. If we are switched on

and ready to go, hopefully we will get the win. The Challenge Cup is

special. The prize at the end of this game is a big one. A trip to

Wembley. It is the character of my team, I see it going one way. But

those are the other side of the Pennines are feeling the same way.

It should be a fantastic game. Brian, a lot of experience, some of

their leaders have left. Who pushes them around the park now? Matty

Russell and Joel Monaghan. Rhys Evans, a Welsh international, in the

backfield. Chris Bridge back there from playing in the halfbacks for

most of the year, back in his favoured centre position, two

complementary iron at. Ratchford and Myler, the former Salford Reds.

Ratchford is comfortable anywhere. An outstanding player. In the front

row, Chris Hill. And Michael Monaghan has made a huge difference

to the current form of the Warrington Wolves. Look at the size

of these boys. Trent Waterhouse, Australian international, with the

two England international, Harrison and Westwood. Lots of experience on

the bench. And Simon Grix would make most starting line-ups along with

Micky Higham. What is going to be the key for them today?

Once again I think it is their talent. Well we have got him stood

on his own, a quick chat with Joel Monaghan. How has preparation been?

It has been good. A massive game. We had a big test last week.

There are a couple of other individuals I would like the

supporters to look at home. Ratchford and Myler. I played

alongside both players. Immense talent. Great contrast in style.

Ratchford likes to take the line on. He likes a broken line. He can come

up with the magic pass. Richie Myler is a contrast to Ratchford. It is

not about ballplaying, it is about reading what the players are doing

around him. Keep your eyes on these guys. They really know how to play

their rugby league. Chris Bridge has been playing,

Richie Myler is back. Is it a gamble with Richie? Not at all. Richie is

fit. He was very good last week. The key to Warrington is getting Michael

Monaghan back. He makes a massive difference to this team. He gives

them all the confidence. There will be fireworks upfront. These two

packs are going to go at each other. Michael Monaghan is a fantastic

player. They have got such a big pack. The second phase rugby league

is better than most sides in the competition. It will be a good game

today. What about the pack for a Warrington? They lost quite a few

people. Have you seen them grow as the season has gone on? Chris Hill

for Warrington, for me he is absolutely fantastic. I watch him as

a fellow prop. He gets the team on the front foot. Off the back of

that, they use that off the cuff rugby. These teams like to quick

play the ball is on the front foot, get past the advantage line and play

rugby. It is so exciting. You might think that players take it easy in

the run-up to a big match like this, that the coaches may back off them a

little bit. Think again. We have been given a unique insight into

what it is like before a big game, from Jamie Peacock.

I am Jamie Peacock. This is the training you do to be a rugby league

player. Goal, Jones E. As a rugby league player you have to be master

of everything. You have to be fit, you have to be strong. One of the

reasons we do these strongman competitions, it covers a lot of

bases. Jones E is the man of this. It is like being involved in the

game, except for the collisions. When I first started out 20 years

ago, it'd only become professional. There was a drinking culture. Now it

is about kids coming through from school, signing professional. There

is a lot of sports science. He will not be doing that when he is

finished. I am pretty stubborn. Probably not the most naturally

skilful player. I probably am I the lads because I was want to win. I

make the most out of my talent. Because I have got high standards, I

want to drive them through the team. I suppose it annoys people.

But it is about winning. Right, that is training finished.

This little black box holds all the secrets to what we have been doing.

Tell us about this. This tells us everything the players have done

through the session. Who ran the fastest. Tom Briscoe. What kinds of

distances are covered by players? Paul Aiton is covering about ten

kilometres. We have recorded you at the top impact for this season. It

is a bit like a car crash almost. If you want to be a rugby player, you

have to run almost as fast as a sprinter, you have to cover ten

kilometres in 80 minutes and be involved in 30 miles burka crashes.

Any professional sportsman, you need to be a little bit selfish. If

everybody is in your -- in your circle is happy with you, you are

not being a good rugby league player. The sacrifices are worth it

when you get to run out in semifinals and finals. You have a

chance of doing something really special. I look at this and realise

it could be my last semifinal. I have no guarantees of making

another. I intend to make the most of it. There is a quiet

determination amongst the players. It is spoken about what it is more

in people's eyes. This week's training will be as intense as it

has been all the year. It will be on the money. We want to get to Wembley

and win. If that has inspired you to give the

game a go, you can go to the BBC sport website. Lots of information

about how you can get involved in rugby league. Do you regularly

wheeled the sledgehammer and training? Yes we do. A lot of

gymnasiums are using this caveman technique. I would not expect you to

be lifting a sledgehammer, Tanya! Dennis, do you look at that and

think, thank goodness I don't have to do that any more? I was at the

edge of the professional era. I was fortunate to be able to train

full-time and take that kind of thing going forward. I was lucky to

get that into my game. I think it is inspiring. You watch Jamie there and

as a coach, you want people like him in his side. Jamie Peacock is

fantastic. He is a big key to this Leeds site. You with a coach for

James Lowes and you hammered him in training. That was a brilliant

piece, wasn't it? To see what they do to get that to this kind of

states. Today is magnificent. It is all about the gladiators. Up against

Chris Hill? Yes, slightly different players. Chris Hill is a great

asset. You think you have got him, and he will move slightly, which

enables him to play fastballs. That enables Michael Monaghan to make

metres. Jamie Peacock slightly ahead on the tackle count. Very little to

separate them. More determination and will from Jamie Peacock. Chris

Hill has the skill to open the door. It is a fantastic atmosphere. Can

you feel the nerves? It is fantastic. This is what you play

for. You see the crowd, the sun is shining, it is going to be

fantastic. Too close to call. What are these last few moments rugby

players like? There are moments when you need to get yourself prepared.

Now you need to get wound up to get onto the field. I have just got

butterflies thinking about this game. Dennis, do you know what

you're going to set your players tomorrow? Have said what I am going

to say. If they don't know now, they are in trouble! It is reinforcing

certain issues. You let your leaders play their part. The players have to

be able to manage it and make the decisions. My influence has happened

and it will happen in very small parts during the game. Let the

leaders contribute what they are therefore, to lead their team. It is

all about performance. To get a decent performance, they have to

eradicate the crowd and the location and do what they do best. Dennis has

prepared his team. These teams will be prepared. It will be a balance of

the ball that separates these teams. Who makes a good decision at the

right time? Who makes a poor decision? What is going to be the

key? Is it the defence? Lately I've think both defences have been a

little bit suspect. Both teams want to throw the ball about. They will

be excited. It is the mistakes which will cost you. Errors lose games. It

is the team that controls the ball and uses it to the best of their

ability, they will win. Brian, final thought for you? To you have to be

tough enough to make a good decision at the right end of the field. It

will be somebody's attacking prowess that will separate these teams.

Brian is joining Jonathan Davies and Dave Woods in the commentary box.

The team is about to come out. They will hit a wall of sound the

atmosphere is building. I am not sure that little girl knows what is

about to hit her. The players cannot wait to get going. Here they come.

We will hand you upstairs to the commentary box.

We love these moments, don't we? These nerve jangling, stomach

churning moments unique to the Challenge Cup semifinal? You can

look forward to one of the best days of your rugby league life if you

win. Lose, and it is dejection and anonymity. This competition has been

so special. When I signed for rugby league, I wanted to play in the

Challenge Cup final at Wembley. That was the big incentive. Both sides at

full strength. Kevin Sinfield returns from suspension. Watkins and

Royal -- Ryan Hall Auerbach after being arrested last week. -- Ryan

Hall, both back after being rested last week. Michael Monaghan and

Richie Myler both return from long-term injuries for Wakefield.

The air conditioning could be tested today. They are two key players in

two key positions. Phil Bentham is the referee. He has got a couple of

Challenge Cup finals in his locker already. Westwood waiting for this

game to get underway. Kevin Sinfield the man who will put boot to Bill --

boot to ball for the first time. They are familiar foes in familiar

circumstances. It is a sumptuous match-up of big match players.

Predict the outcome of this one if you dare at this stage of what is

going to be an enthralling competition. No one knows who is the

favourite and no one knows who is the underdog. Psychologically, for

Leeds, it is massive, they want to get the Challenge Cup, to win that

cup. They are almost playing it down this year, the Leeds players, they

are saying is not that big an issue. You can bet that it is, though.

Collected by Zak Hardaker. Decent opening set from the Warrington

perspective. And now Reinhold. -- Ryan Hall. He had a terrific game

against Saint Helens, without ever scoring. His workrate was

tremendous. Burrow, out of dummy half. Jones-Buchanan. Brian Noble,

early thoughts? They are both exceptional in defence, and they

will be feeling each other out. Russell has been a very exciting

finds this year, but he has run into his own player. That will be

obstruction. That is a very big mistake. He simply ran into

Harrison. He did. Obstruction, penalty. A chance for Leeds to get

the early points. Usually both teams are feeling each other out at the

beginning, working at how they are going to execute some plans, but

this is going back to the mentality which is epitomised by Ben Amos,

when you have a chance to rattle beating and kicking over, take the

opportunity -- rattled the tin. If anyone knows how important a goal

kick is in a game like this, it is Kevin Sinfield. He has done this

agent signs in important matches, he spurned a kick against Bradford in

the famous cup final in Cardiff, of course, and who knows what would've

happened if he had taken it that day. Never mind the history, Leeds

have the history. -- have the lead. I do not mind that this agenda, they

can get that out of their own half and who knows, by the end of the

game it might be a 2-point ball game. -- I did not mind that

decision. That is right, it could be that close. It has gone too far!

Penalty back for Leeds at the halfway line. Will he go for goal?

Maybe too far out for Kevin Sinfield. He is capable of getting

from that angle, but I think this is a great result. They have been given

the ball back. That is where they would have taken it, even if they

had not taken the two points. Very big mistakes from Warrington early

in the match. Jamie Jones-Buchanan with the early surge for Leeds, and

Warrington are looking to find their feet in the semifinal. Leeds has

settled the better. That is a great run from Peacock. Options right and

left, he has gone with McGuire. This is Burrow. He skips away to Kevin

Sinfield, who made the dummy, but he finds the welcoming arms of England.

Leuluai. His family name resonates in Challenge Cup history. That is

the kick to the in-goal area and I think Ratchford has got this down.

What about this from Leeds and this early pressure on Warrington? Yes,

they are really building pressure. Warrington will be happy with that

defence, though. Taking that sign. They are entitled to do that --

taking their time. Get oxygen into their lungs before they have another

stint in defence. Zak Hardaker. Here he comes, never flamboyant but

always effective. Rarely flamboyant, anyway. He has shown the odd moment

in that long career of his. Leuluai with a short pass. Warrington are

getting through a lot of work in the early stages. Sinfield. McGuire.

Joel Monaghan. That is a perfect kick and a terrific chase, and this

is another drop out under the sticks. Great play from both sides,

very good defence, and I think you have got to be patient. In a quality

game like this, this is like an international match, this is all

about patience, you are not going to score every second, you have got to

be very patient. Patience, possession.

This is Apple at down the left-hand side for Leeds, who are dominating

possession -- Ablett. Warrington are labouring hard in the sunshine. A

lot of fuel drain from their tank in the early stages. McGuire. Oh! Two

points is the difference, hardly representative of how much Leeds

have been on top. Burrow, he makes the dummy to the left. Carl Ablett,

has he got there? I don't think he has. Bill sent them -- Phil Bentham

says handover and Warrington have survived. Family times have we seen

Carl Ablett get the ball down in that position? -- how many times.

That is a points victory for Warrington, though, this early.

Becomes Russell. -- here comes. Warrington will be lifted, they are

still trailing, but it could have been much worse. Leeds dominating

territory at the moment, and possession. And now Ratchford. They

had a Jamie Jones-Buchanan. Accidental offside -- ahead. He has

given a penalty. Field position for Leeds. That hit his head, the

accidental offside. It has gone into the hands of England and this is an

easy one for Leeds Mac. -- Leeds. At the moment the bounce of the ball is

favouring Leeds. That is the way it looks at the moment. 65% possession

at the moment. And all in the half of Warrington, as well. The key

statistic is the top line, though, and it is still 2-0 after eight

minutes. Leuluai has recently announced he will do another year.

The kick has found Leeds with a restart. Very good kick. Peek up

with a driving run to set up the Peacock. Cereus injury, this could

be a knock out. -- cereus injury. This did BAC areas below -- serious

injury. He has got his head on the wrong

side. His head was in the wrong position, and he was going to get

hurt. Just make sure you get your head on the correct side when you

make the tackle, for any kid watching. The hipbone catches the

temple. He is OK. They are very careful with head injuries these

days, as they have to be. It is not just about the here and now, but

about what happens in years to come. Leeds with a chance to test

Warrington. A clumsy tackle. Another penalty. They have gone quick.

Leuluai. Setting things up. They are very close. Burrow. McGuire. Jamie

Jones-Buchanan! He has kept it alive, has it gone backwards? Not an

-- that is a knock-on and Warrington have survived once again, and their

fans know how important it was to get through that spell of pressure.

It was backwards. It is a knock-on from Rob Burrow. Yes. Very difficult

to call from that angle, though. Warrington have got it back, and

that is very important. It could be, we have spoken about taking your

opportunities, Jamie Jones-Buchanan should have chanced his arm, and on

any other day Rob Burrow would have scored. That is a get out of jail

card for Warrington. They have got to play the six. Westwood. Looking

to play-the-ball away. Oh! There was a collision of the ball, Anthony

England was left sprawling. That was a forward pass. That was very close.

The red three has given it as forward. -- referee. Interesting to

see what happened with Leuluai. He just smashed him. Watkins. We have

some news from the touchline. Leeds are monitoring the prop forward

Leuluai, he was winded early on. They are leaving him out there for

the time being. Michael Monaghan with a blow to the back of the head

and Warrington are keeping tabs on that. If he was winded, he did very

well to smash Anthony England on the far side. It bounces into the hands

of Ryan Hall, he takes a fuse shuffling steps forward. -- a few.

Carl Ablett, looking for the position, that is excellent.

Warrington have got to start on the tightest of areas. The Warrington

defence has been very good. Leeds have gone very right, very quickly.

They have not had the pace. What about the kick from Carl Ablett? To

have someone who can do that for you from the second row. He is a

terrific player. Warrington have now got the relief. They will be looking

to capitalise on this. They will want some of the field position that

Leeds have had in the last ten minutes. Jamie Jones-Buchanan was

not looking at the ball, and this should be a rest for Warrington.

Richie Myler with a clearing kick, and we know that he's coming back a

long injury, as is Michael Monaghan. They are key players in key business

and is, how much will they be tested? -- positions. No more than

you would expect in a game of this magnitude, but they should give

impetus to this team. You want your best players in any game. Michael

Monaghan, his brother Joel Monaghan is out wide. The float has kept it

alive. Russell. -- the offload. Both teams are trying to negate the

prowess of the forward pass, looking for the opportunity, but the

defences have been excellent. Hardaker, shielding his eyes, he has

caught that on the full and that will be a cat back by default --

tap. Not the best kick from Ratchford, he will be disappointed,

not enough height for the chasers to get there. Russell has made the

covering tackle, which was very necessary. The Warrington defence is

disorganised, temporarily. Rob Burrow, so dangerous. Carl Ablett.

Leeds with four toggle -- tackles gone already, and we had a hand from

Harrison and this is another set of six. They are doing this to tough

way, Warrington. The last set from Leeds, the restart from Hardaker,

that has proven energy sapping for Warrington. Ian Kirke is on the

field, he has replaced Leuluai. Sinfield to Hardaker. He would have

sensed the incoming Richie Myler and that has made him drop the ball. One

thing which will disappoint Leeds, their execution on the wide passing.

It has been very slow. How valuable is the two boys looking? -- points.

We had that debate, but that might be the difference, it might be

important. First 15 minutes, Leeds have dominated. Three mistakes from

Warrington, but Leeds have only made one mistake, and they have also

dominated territory and possession. It will be a semifinal which will

ebb and flow. Leeds have dominated but Warrington have had their

moments. Very good defensive line speeds. Bridge. Russell, up from the

fallback position, to add a bit of sprightliness. -- fallback. Into the

hands of Carl Ablett. Warrington have got to take the sting out of

the Leeds attack. This is the way they play, this is their philosophy.

Since the Ratchford kick, their finishing of sets of six has not

been very good. Witness against Castleford, that is the other

semifinal. -- Widnes against. Russell has been allowed to escape

from that position. I do not understand the kicking philosophy of

Leeds, Russell is not the biggest. If you look at the likes of Ryan

Hall, Burrow, you have got to use their height advantage. I would also

be tempted to put the ball up. Try to squash them all over the park.

They need to be tested. Kicking down the short side, that is giving them

a free run. Chris Hill, he's very quick off the ground, as well. Only

ten yards from the Leeds line. Such a fast start from the game. That is

terrific. I was dead advocating kicking for the sideline,

Warrington, and then talk about restricting territory on Leeds -- I

was advocating. Leeds can score from anywhere. That is the exciting

thing, I think both teams can. Warrington had got some dangerous

players around the rock, but Leeds seem to be going very wide early to

create opportunities -- rock -- ruck. They are just like trains,

they are such big boys. Zak Hardaker now. Still just a penalty goal from

Kevin Sinfield in the second minute, separating the two sides.

Peacock. Burrow at dummy half. Looking for a bit of distance and

green grass, the role is very awkward. Russell has got to take

precious seconds before he is safe to pick that up. Leeds were able to

get further downfield to stop him in his tracks. Monaghan, Michael

Monaghan, that is. And now Joel Monaghan. Rich, back inside to

Harrison. Very good hands to Myler -- Chris Bridge. Once again, very

flat. They are just trying to get on the fringes, Warrington. Their first

four players are really exceptional, Monaghan running at them at dummy

half, and then the heartbreak. It is just the extradition -- extra

decision that is making the difference. What are you thinking on

the sidelines, Robbie Hunter Paul? Leeds have played the perfect 20

minutes, they have been ruthless, they are not overplaying, although I

think they might have been guilty of trying to overplay, because they

have not scored any tries. They are drawing so much energy out of

Warrington, though. The media territory, Leeds in possession. --

familiar territory. Both defences have been very solid. Warrington

have only made five tackles more than Leeds, that is a surprise. That

is a great tackle from Ryan Atkins. If he gets that slightly wrong, Rob

Burrow was in the clear. That did not quite hold up, and so we go back

to the 20, for Warrington. The kicking game has not been that good

from Leeds so far. Only four completed from Warrington, but they

do like to take the risks. They have played some very eye-catching rugby

league and they have had some big victories. Harrison. Atkins back on

the inside. That is a poor pass. This is the sixth tackle coming up.

Westwood, to Joel Monaghan. Trying to kick that downfield and this has

gone out of play on the full. Both coaches will have the notebook out,

they will be looking at the kicking. Leeds started very well with their

field position. That might take its toll at the end of the game in terms

of energy, Warrington. You need to get the half-backs involved in the

kicking. 16 times cup winners, Warrington, the last time was in

2010. That was against Leeds. Leeds have reached six finals this century

and they have lost all of them. Burrow is such a dangerous runner,

but once again we have a poor finish to the set. They are handling Rob

Burrow very well. He has had a view half chances. They are coming up and

they ask washed tackling him and he has got to go to ground -- a few.

Burrow always goes on the quick play of the ball. If he breaks, and there

is the half chance, the support is brilliant. That has been dropped.

This will be Leeds head and feet. If you bring on the specialist Turco,

will they take Burrow off? -- hooker. The coach has both options.

If Warrington do not stop making mistakes, Leeds will win this game,

they cannot make as many mistakes, they have made seven mistakes to

just one from Leeds. You cannot give Leeds that much possession, they

will score. Watkins. Out of dummy half. Made his debut as a

17-year-old in this competition in 2008. We thought he was amazing that

they and we have not stopped thinking that since. Carl Ablett

now. Hardaker, insightful Peacock. Jones-Buchanan, he is inside the ten

once again dashed -- inside for Peacock. Ryan Hall, that is a great

finish, and they are going to the video referee! The erection from the

players, that seems to indicate he has scored -- the reaction from the

players. This is very close. The reaction from the players is always

a very good indicator. This is the video referee. I am happy that he is

not in touch, but I want to have a closer look at the ball. His fingers

are still on the ball. Looking at that angle, and now the other side.

Do his hands stay off the ball? I think his fingers remain on the

ball. Can we have the angle coming from the other side? There is no

clear separation. This is the one. Fingers on the ball. There is no

clear separation on that one. That is not going to show me anything. I

have no evidence, and so I think benefit of the doubt and that is an

try. -- a try. The video refs has given the try. He could not be

certain that Ryan Hall had that under control, but the benefit of

the doubt has gone his way. He has made scoring tries like that a

speciality. Joel Monaghan and Ryan Hall, they are among the top try

scorer 's, very hard to criticise what Joel Monaghan did. I think that

is a fair try. That is a great finish. He had no right to score. No

right at all, that is a great finish. So, Kevin Sinfield, with a

chance to land his second goal of the day. Reinhold's name is ringing

around Langtree Park from the Leeds names -- Ryan Hall's name is ringing

around Langtree Park from the Leeds supporters. Absolutely perfect.

Leeds now lead by 8-0. Now the penalty looks a good decision. Dummy

kick. Very difficult to see if there was separation. Benefit of the

doubt, great finish by Ryan Hall. I think that is on the back of how

much ball Leeds have had. Warrington are inviting Leeds into their half.

That will be a relief for a Leeds as well. They have had a lot of

possession, a lot of territory, but nothing for it. Amazing statistics

after 27 minutes. Paul Aiton is ready to make his appearance on the

sideline. Paul Aiton, the PAP -- Papua New

Guinea player. Michael Monaghan swallowed up by the

defence again. George Riley, what news? Paul Aiton on for a Jamie

Jones-Buchanan. He makes is way off absolutely drenched in sweat.

Leuluai, who went straight down the tunnel when he came off, is now back

on. He was holding his ribs. As for Warrington, no reaction at all from

Tony Smith to the try. I would love to see what his eyes looked like

behind those dark glasses. Blue, I think!

Do we just sends a slight swing of the momentum? The last couple of

sets have been good from Warrington. Good play by Monaghan. Good defence

by Hardaker. Leeds closing Ratchford down very quickly. They know he is

very dangerous. A forward pass! It was called by the

touch judge on the far side. The referee was not in position. Great

ball, that was. A matter of millimetres. I cannot see it from

that angle. I was just about to say before Warrington exploded into that

exciting football, the last kick was great. Some kick pressure on these

which was not so great. Then Warrington had that attacking field

position. What a season Zaccardo is having, by

the way. -- Zach Hardaker. Leeds one man short at the moment

because one of their players is having some treatment. Briscoe

knocked it on! Even if Warrington drop it, they will get the ball back

anyway because it is an advantage. Great play. Great feet by Hardaker.

The saw Ryan Atkins shoot at the line and he rode the tackle. Very

fortunate to get away with that, Warrington. It is another forward

pass. A very similar part of the field. And it is very cheap. Another

mistake from Warrington Wolves. They have not had the ball. They have not

had territory. When they have had it, they have squandered it. They

have had no momentum whatsoever. I don't think they have a one

opportunity -- I don't think they have had one attacking opportunity

in the Leeds red zone. When we have finished here, you can join in our

red button forum. Tomorrow will be an absolute belter as well. Witness

against Castleford. A sell-out crowd for what should be a memorable

occasion. -- Widnes Vikings. It all adds up to what should be a terrific

final. I don't understand the kick from

Leeds. Just get it in the air. Brian McDermott is looking slightly

restless at the moment. Hardaker shielding his eyes. They

let it bounce. Picked up by Monaghan. Still the sixth tackle. He

passes to the wrong man, Asotasi. It just went to the wrong blog. That is

not his fault he happened to be in the right position. Don't let the

ball bounce. The sun was in his eyes. He knew the ball was going to

bounce back. That was a chance. This heat must be strong. There are a few

people walking around with their hands on their hips.

There was the bouncing ball that gave Warrington the chance but it

did not quite work out the way they wanted it to. You need to get the

ball into the players with the quick feet. You have to take them on.

Great play by Leeds. The charge continues. Warrington have to

regroup. Defending for their lives again. Ryan Hall! Never any doubt!

Never any doubt. The second try of the afternoon for a Ryan Hall. And

Warrington, for the moment, looking out on their feet. You have two save

Iraq hanging on by their fingernails, Warrington. I think it

was the past by Rob Burrow. I may be wrong. It was Danny McGuire. The

take from Hardaker and then the break, they were at sixes and

sevens. The best thing about that, he reads the kick. He covers the ten

yards before the kick is made, he knew where it was growing -- going.

This is the money ball. All coming back. Danny McGuire, thank you very

much. Danny McGuire lifts his head and thinks, if you are coming in, I

am going to go over the top of you. They found Ryan Hall to finish. If

you are short of numbers, you can add comment shooting off the line.

They have two stand their ground and push out wide. -- they have to.

This is a pretty important kick. If he put this over it is a threescore

lead that Leeds almost certainly take into the half-time break. Hit

the post and bounced in! Three out of three from Kevin Sinfield. They

have a 14-0 lead over Warrington, which is massive in a semifinal.

Absolutely massive. This is the money ball. Great vision from Danny

McGuire. That was an easy run-in. Convergence are so important. --

conversions. It is going to be a huge task for Warrington in the

second half. Can they claw their way back? One thing, they cannot play as

badly as they did in this half. Leeds have make the most out of it.

How draining has this first-half bin them? They have had to defend their

try line. Leeds have had the opportunity to run at them. They

need to clean their game up a little bit. They need to make better

decisions. They are capable of three scores. When they defend in their

own red zone, the intensity is there. When they are in the

opposition half, the Chase has not been good. Hardaker has cut them to

pieces. Penalty for interference. A big 30

seconds coming up here for Warrington. A big 30 seconds. This

has got to go up in the air and everybody has got to chase. Russell

has got the space... He could not get the pass away. The hooter

sounds. The referee has finally heard it. That will be half-time. It

snuffs out the late Warrington ambition. Once again it has been a

Hall of Fame performance from their mighty winger that has given Leeds

the advantage. 14-0, they lead. Ryan Hall with a brace of tries and

plenty of questions to be asked about Warrington. Can they get

themselves back on the Wembley Way? Was that in near perfect 40? It was

good. We are not getting carried away. We have another big 40. How do

you make sure Warrington do not get back into it? Keep the pressure on.

Take on some fluids. It is very intense, very hot. We will do the

right things. What a half that was. Let us look at the first have

statistics. They tell a tale. If you look down that, Dennis, possession

and territory dominated by Leeds. What do you make of the completion

rate? It is how Warrington play. They do push the ball. I don't think

the completion rate is something that is that important to them. Look

at the tackle success. Both sides working really hard defensively. One

side is working harder than the other. Towards the end of the half,

we saw fatigue. That is because they had to do a lot of defending. What

stood out for you? For me personally it is Leeds's discipline. They are

trying to control the game. Warrington are not trying to win the

game within the first have. They are not trying to score of every set.

They are kicking two corners. I have been really impressed with Leeds.

They are playing semifinal rugby. What you surprised by the early

errors for Warrington? Yes, they like to attack. Sometimes you have

to earn the right to do that. This is not ideal. They are running into

each other. These are fundamental mistakes. This is one of the worst

ways to start the game. Kicking out on the full. That is disappointing.

Almost a lack of concentration. I am sure if Dennis was coach, he would

be absolutely spewing. You do not practice like that. That is just

nerves. It is not composure. Kicking the ball out on the full. Kicking

the ball into the back of somebody. Those are things you do not want to

see from your team because it shows you are a little bit off in your

head. This game is a long way from over. Warrington have the ability to

score a lot of points. They defended really well in the first half. If

they can get some composure and control more ball, they will score

tries. It took Leeds a little while to take advantage of those

mistakes? Yes, they got really close on a couple of occasions. Sometimes

that is all it takes. Jones-Buchanan could not quite do enough to get the

ball down there. They are keeping hold of the ball. They have got the

territory. Every time they get in position, they look a threat.

Causing threats all over. When they got in, it was Ryan Hall. He has

produced the goods so often? It was a great kick. They put a lot of

pressure on the Warrington line. It takes a fantastic try. A fantastic

score. Danny McGuire shows a little dummy. That keeps Joel Monaghan in

the pocket at the back. Chris Bridge is attracted to the attacker. It is

a one-on-one try. Ryan Hall is such a great finisher. The second try is

a great bit of skill. Danny McGuire knows where to pass the ball. He

finds himself in acres of space. Zach Hardaker has had a great

season. This has been classic, hasn't it? He has got plenty of

energy going into the second half. You are seeing little line breaks

from him. Good footwork by Danny McGuire. Danny McGuire has just got

great vision. Ryan Hall is a world-class winger. The first try he

scored, there are not many wingers who could score that. He has been

good. What are you saying to Brian McDermott? Rob Burrow said it. The

intensity is good. They need to stay composed. He is probably telling

them, this is a long way from over. We have two stay at that kind of

intensity for the first 15 to 20 minutes of the second half.

Warrington will not lie down. They will come back. We talked about the

kicking game and how crucial that would be. Leeds have been

disciplined, haven't they? Definitely. The way they have

controlled the game has been really impressive. Danny McGuire has three

outside chasers there. Into that space. The forwards have to double

up on their tackles to get another set of six. They have used this to

their advantage. They have gained momentum. They did not score early

doors, they do it later in the half when the opposition is tired. Leeds

made the best possible start. Warrington made an error. Good

coaching. He gets the scoreboard on his side. Take the energy from

Warrington. When you have got Ryan Hall, Hardaker, you're going to get

some tries. We talked beforehand about Jamie Peacock and Chris Hill.

How do you see it? At the moment, Jamie Peacock. He has played 40

minutes in a Challenge Cup semifinal. It is a fantastic

testament to his ability, his fitness and how important he is to

Leeds. Jamie always says to me, if I don't need to come off, I will not

come off. Chris Hill is Warrington's lead man. He has not

had the opportunity. They have not had the ball. They have been totally

out of the game. They have to fix that quickly. If you are Tony Smith,

what are you saying? Stay calm, refocus. They can score some points.

Defensively I think they have been really good. They have had to work

that much harder than Leeds. It is energy sapping. The tries came from

a couple of mistakes on the back of being fatigued. Who will be key

players be for Warrington if they are to get back into this? The key

players everybody. Everybody who has contributed to these errors are

making the difference. If they can keep the ball, make key decisions

like Leeds are doing, by playing semifinal rugby instead of trying to

score at every opportunity, I think they will get themselves back into

it. They have got the ability and they have got the players. Tomorrow

is Widnes Vikings against Castleford. They produced probably

the shock of the competitions offer when they beat Wigan at Wigan.

The last time Wigan lost a Challenge Cup tie at home was in 1986 and it

was Castleford who did the damage. Can the Yorkshire side repeat that

today against the cup-holders? Luke Dorn slides in. James Clare!

Richards! Richards with the try that confirms

Castleford are in the semifinal! They have had a fantastic season,

Castleford. You are in for quite a battle? I think it is going to be a

great game. It is what the semifinals need. We have played two

really good games against them this season. We are in good shape. A

strong squad to select from. We have got some good form coming into it. A

good win against Warrington at home and last week against Hull KR. We

know that Castleford have had a great year. The win against Wigan at

Wigan was fantastic. I know you will concentrate on yourselves, but they

have a couple of key players missing thanks to the judiciary. Justin

Carney, that must have made you smile? I cannot really comment! I

have to control what I can control. You feel for Darren because he

cannot pick his best side. If Justin was your player you would have given

him a blast? There I don't think it was that Bastos -- that bad. It is

not my call. I am sitting on the fence a little bit on this! I think

Darrell has got a fantastic squad. Not a bad selection problem. You

were looking at that... It is one of those where you do not expect that

to happen. The things that have happened recently have affected the

judiciary decision wise on those kinds of tackles. It will be a

fantastic game. Two teams who like to play. They work hard for each

other. There must be huge excitement for both of your site, the chance of

getting to Wembley. It is immense, isn't it? When you look at where we

have come from. Seven years out of Super League. Building towards this

kind of atmosphere. The town is buzzing. It is great because it is a

massive rugby league town. The club means a lot to the people. We were

the cup kings in the 1970s and 1980s. High Speed two Andy Gregory

quite regularly and he likes to tell me how many times he has won and how

many times he was there. -- I speak to Andy Gregory. For yourself and

Darrell there is the player who has had the experience of a final but it

is a different build-up for you? It is. The players have enjoyed this

week. They have enjoyed a bit of media attention. The expectation

going into a big game. A sell-out crowd. There will be 12,000 people

there and it will feel like 100,000. It is a fantastic stadium. Great

atmosphere. The Widnes fans are fantastic. They will be really vocal

tomorrow. They will get behind the team. It will be a great semifinal.

The Castleford wrens can make a bit of noise as well. They are pretty

special when you go to Castleford. It should be an absolute belter.

Back to this one, what do you think? We would expect Warrington to come

out all guns blazing? I would expect Warrington to improve massively.

There cannot be worse than they have been. They have got nothing to lose

as it were. They are that far behind they can start enjoying themselves

playing the rugby they like to play. Leeds will be disciplined. I would

expect to see exactly the same start from them. It has been fantastic.

The Warrington fans looking worried. I don't think they should be. There

is a long way to go. You look at the statistics and see how much

territory Leeds have had. Warrington will get a share of that in the

second half. Tony will be saying to his players, let's not play the

scoreboard, let's go out there and play our game. What will be will be

but we need some good position and we need some ball. The Leeds defence

was so mean at the beginning of the season. That would be the key here?

Yes. Sometimes that can bite you in the backside as well. When you are

defending, you forget about the attacking side. You still want to

put the ball on their line, get the line speed. That intensity that Rob

Burrow talked about. Use that to your advantage. Interesting seeing

Michael Monaghan out there giving the pep talk. He is trying to

motivate them. This is massive. This is the biggest game of the year. Do

you want to be happier disappointed at the end of this? I think you will

see a big increase in the Warrington performance. You cannot forget to

play. Both these sides know how to defend. They know how to attack. I

think the second half is key. Back to the commentary team.

the full-back. For an little and cool COMMENTATOR: Where are we going

to go from here? Brian McDermott seems like a happy man. His side are

doing what they need to do. They have a big lead, and they are such a

quality side, but Warrington are capable of scoring a lot of points,

but then so are Leeds. They nailed it in the studio, there is the

assumption that Warrington will be better, they have got to make better

decisions. They have got to be a bit clearer, in terms of the outcomes of

their processes. It has been so successful for Leeds, and they will

be trying to do the same again. Warrington will be trying to do

something about that. If you are Brian McDermott, he will be

thinking, if they can score first, that will be it. Jamie Peacock has

played every minute of the game. 21 tackles. 16 carries, and two

off-loads, as well, he is putting in a real stink and I hope he is not

too tired to join us tomorrow for the Castleford against witness Mac

-- Widnes. Tony Smith has told his players to not panic, to settle down

and to complete the sets of six and he has told his players they are not

out of this yet. They have got to start scoring, and this is Rhys

Evans. He has got three in support. Atkins. Carl Ablett was there to

make a terrific tackle. Suddenly, Leeds, they going the other way.

Great work from Carl Ablett, BJ 's back was incredible. -- the chase

back was incredible. My word, he had a big heart. His lungs must be

hurting, he has landed on something and he might have winded himself.

These are the situations that we knew semifinals. Yes, they had four

against one -- win you semifinals. Where is this one bouncing? Jonathan

has made a good point, the opportunities that Warrington had,

just then, they had to take, because of the deficit on the scoreboard.

The downside is that Leeds can come back and they can get another point,

and that will put even more pressure on. Remember, macro Leeds can score

out of nothing, as well. -- Leeds can score. Myler. Ratchford. Very

good footwork. He has beaten a few defenders. Peacock with another

tackle. Myler, he spins it across. Atkins, getting it free. This is

Rhys Evans, to have a go. Angled run, Leeds recovering the position,

but this is very good position from Warrington, can they take advantage?

Joel Monaghan was there, and he has got the pass away to Chris Bridge,

and that is a try for Warrington, just what they needed. Right at the

start of the second half. The semifinal is on fire once again, and

Brian Noble is taking the credit. They got themselves into the right

part of the field, they gave it to Richie Myler. The kick to Joel

Monaghan, that is what we needed. And then Chris Bridge, he comes

around, and he gets Warrington back into the game, with an element of

more control, we have seen better decisions from Warrington and that

is why they are back in the game. If you are going to get, then do it

where you can compete for the ball. Monaghan, he is great in the air. --

if you are going to kick. He had the running jump, and that is very

difficult to defend. Who was that coach? Jimmy Lawton? No, it was John

Bevan. Not the Warrington won? No. He was from an argot, very early in

my career. -- Otago. Different style, different technique, and that

has hit the post and bounced out. In these moments, sometimes great deeds

are decided. Sometimes they go unnoticed. We spoke from the first

minute about the goalkick. Rhys Evans, another Welshman, taking

the kick. Warrington, looking to build on what they have just given

themselves, a platform to get back into this game. They are just two

scores behind in this game. Atkins from dummy half. Monaghan. This is

Myler. Paul Wood, trying to push himself into the line. Myler. But on

the halfway line. This kick looks absolutely perfect. Briscoe has a

job, and he has been smashed. I think he is feeling the effects as

much as the Leeds man. I think he is. That was a great kick. Just look

at that, and there was a clash of heads. Oh! Leeds are finding it

tough, just for the moment. That was good play from Burrow. That is a

great kick. And a great chase. Physicality about this game at the

moment. Burrow, he realised the intensity of the Warrington defence

and he takes the sting out of it, releasing it with a big kick.

Westwood. They fancy shifting it here, Warrington. Myler, stepping

back on the inside, and that was a grasping tackle from Sinfield.

Warrington, trying to buy themselves a bit of space. The referees says

play on. Running at Delaney. Monaghan is the area is, he thought

he should have had a penalty on a few counts. -- Monaghan is furious.

The referee is ignoring him, but he might have had a point. Burrow.

McGuire. I was going to say he did well to hold on, but he didn't.

Leeds, they are playing as if they expected Warrington to come out, but

they cannot stop playing. You have got to keep on playing. This is as

much about Warrington as it is about Leeds. They are giving themselves a

chance, and Leeds are having to do all the things they did not need to

do in the first. Bailey is an, but Jamie Peacock is still going. --

Bailey is on. He retires next year, Jamie Peacock, he wants to savour

every moment. Waterhouse. He recovered from the earlier head

knock. Leeds defenders, smothering the ball back into his body. Five

tackles gone and this is the last. Micky Higham, bending his back.

Myler, he has put this high, another battle in the air. It has been

picked up by Westwood. And again, the high kick. Warrington's head and

feed. If Westwood could have found anybody in a white shirt, they might

have scored. The pendulum is swinging, how far across does it go?

Warrington with the ideal opportunity, ten minutes into the

second half. Out it comes. Bridge, with a step, the Irish

international, he has been put down. Myler, it has gone back. Still

tackles in the bag. Great play from Jamie Peacock. Micky Higham once

again, ranging to his left and the Leeds defenders, hanging on.

Delaney, holding onto his shorts, until the reinforcements arrived.

Miscommunication. Watkins, he can damage any defence. Just as well

they were able to make the tackle. It was only in the tackle count to

go for that. -- early. Briscoe. There where the counterpunch,

Warrington. -- beware. Dummy run, twisting round, that was very good

from Carl Ablett. He does a lot of work, Carl Ablett. We have the

offload, Burrow, into the pocket. Sinfield in support. Five tackles

gone. Leeds have gone the length of the field. The Warrington defence,

it has been found static, and Joel Moon lifting the hopes of Leeds high

once again, with a try which reintroduces the comfort zone. Leeds

have counterpunch to very effectively. I knew they were short

on the right-hand side, and Leeds attacked it, I do not know what

happened to Chris Bridge. This is the offload. Burrow, he was there.

That is a simple run for Joel Moon. They made sure there were attacking

spaces and McGuire just had to find the right pass. That is the end to

end situation you have got, if you do not finish at the right end of

their failed, the opposition are too good and they will come down and

punish you -- right end of the field.

Kevin Sinfield's kicking has been perfect so far today.

Sinfield, hoping that towards glory, but wide. -- hooking. It went in

towards the ball, and that was a very simple effort from McGuire in

the end. It has trickled through the legs, past Zak Hardaker, Briscoe and

Peacock were behind, but they did not get a hand on it. Warrington

should get this back from the kick-off, all things being equal.

Noted medication. It was like the chuckle Brothers -- no

communication. I would not dare call either of them the chuckle Brothers,

though! Kevin Sinfield is still out there.

Crucial period of the game for both sides. Warrington needing to get

another score to get themselves back into the match, as they were a short

while ago. Waterhouse carries it. Sinfield with a rattling tackle. It

was a ball steel. I think they have hit in round the head. -- him. Micky

Higham, dancing to the left. It has been taken by Simon Grix. Look how

close they are. Four tackles to go. The step from Chris Bridge.

Ratchford has gone to the sensor. Chris Hill, is he over the line? Has

he put that down? I don't think he can. The veterinary is not certain

and we will go to -- the referee is not certain and we will go to the

video referee, we can hear from him now. We will see if the ball is

grounded to start with. Happy with that. It looks like it might have

been lost, but how is the ball coming out? Was it stolen? Or has he

lost it? It looks like he has lost it. I cannot see if this is a

steal. We cannot see at this point. Can we have a look at this angle,

please? No hands on the ball at that point. Chris Hill has a hand on the

ball. I cannot see if that is a steal, and so on that evidence, it

will be no dry, 20 metre restart. -- try. That is the official

confirmation of the decision. Warrington were expecting that

decision, judging by their body language. You would have given a

penalty? It was a tough call, difficult for any video referees to

make a call on that one, but it was great defence from the Leeds Rhinos.

We thought he was over, but great defence. Jamie Peacock. Burrow.

Bailey, he was there when Leeds won the Grand Final in 2004, Tony Smith

was the coach in those days. That was the watershed moment for this

Leeds generation, winning the first championship in 32 years. Sinfield,

Burrow, Jones-Buchanan, Bailey, they'll played that day and they are

still involved here. -- they all played that day. Russell picks it

up. Bailey helps to make the tackle. 1855 appearances between those five

players over the years for Leeds. They have not won a Challenge Cup

final, though. That is the bugbear. That was a great tackle from Jamie

Peacock. Had to go wide. And now Chris Hill. That was a good carry.

Jamie Peacock has gone off the field, by the way. He has been

replaced by in Kirk. Zak Hardaker, he watches that dead, very good play

from the full-back. -- Ian Kirke. Referee is making certain everyone

is lined up and ready. Ryan Hall. So difficult to take him down, no

respite for the forwards when he takes it. He is a great train, hard

to stop and his legs keep on going, like jackhammers. Burrow has time to

look around. But he wants to get on with it. They are looking to play

this out, now, Leeds. Not exactly grind it out, but do this in a

professional way. Micky Higham. It is up to Warrington to get

themselves back in. Do not forget, tomorrow, my word, the semifinal,

Castleford against Widnes. We still have 22 minutes left to play in this

match. Joel Moon took the gamble on the intercept and that worked out

very well for Warrington. It did. Chris Bridge. They are a bit flat at

the moment, they look out of their depth if they are going wide.

Ratchford. The dummy half is going to have a dabble. Carries it to

within ten. Warrington have opportunities. It has gone behind

Richie Myler. They have another set of six. Atkins is very close to

getting there. Still pushing. Just held up, but we have six tackles to

go, this is the moment for Warrington, if they are going to get

back into this semifinal, it is here and now. Chris Bridge, offering it

to Westwood. He is not sure. The referee is right there. The referee

is right there. They have got to go to the video referee, and we will

hear from him once again. We will go to the offload. Make sure

that the tackle is not completed. That is fine. The ball carrying arm

is up, that is fine. We will see if Ratchford grounds it. Can we have

another look at the angle from the side? Looks like the arm is on top

of the ball and that is fine. We can slow this write-down. It looks like

this is a tri- -- try. -- we can slow this right down. The decision

has been confirmed and the Warrington fans are celebrating, the

semifinal is not over yet. That was the try they desperately needed and

now this is game on. They went to their big players, and that was a

great offload. Ratchford, in support, he finishes the play, Chris

Bridge would be halfway. They looked very threatening. It was a great

angle from Westwood. Great offload. Chris Bridge, this will chip away at

the lead if it goes over, and it should go over from this position.

Second of the day, his first one hit the post. He has successfully

completed the task at hand. There is now a very different complexion

about this game. Great play of the ball. Lovely late ball from Chris

Bridge, great offload. Very good support play. Fantastic from

Westwood, it really was. Fabulous play. What news on the touchline? I

went down to the benches, I was standing alongside Jamie Peacock,

battered and bruised, and they were on their feet, all of a sudden the

Jutes, no one wanted to sit down. -- all of the substitutes. They thought

it was not a try at first, but then they realised it was, and they

realise they have a real game on their hands, the Leeds players.

Still an element of comfort in the score for Leeds, but Warrington are

edging close. Self belief is returning to them. Monaghan. Having

a go. This is the six tackle coming up. Warrington, looking for a good

finish. Chris Bridge, looking for the kit, the twigs and between. --

kick, twixt and between. What you make of this, Robbie Paul? Leeds

know they have got to see the game out, and one important aspect they

cannot let go, that is their intensity, and that is they need to

do. The final 20 minutes for Warrington, they will throw

everything at them. Is boiling up nicely. Burrow. Obstruction, was

that of destruction? Warrington have got this anyway -- was that

obstruction? Leeds cannot stop playing, they have got to play. That

was good thinking. Michael Monaghan. Chris Hill, clattering challenge

from Ian Kirke. Chris Hill, he still carries. Down on his knees. It is a

knock-on, he had a look at the referee and that gave it away. At

least Leeds are going to get it back. One big minute, that is what

Michael Monaghan is asking for from his side. That is a very big

knock-on, very big. He gave himself up. Yes, he should have played on.

11 mistakes on Warrington to five from Leeds. -- from Warrington.

Burrow. 63% possession for Warrington in the second half, that

is like a mirror image of the first. Yes, apart from the mistakes, that

is the one standout point. Briscoe. And the fact that Leeds have scored

a try, of course, despite being under the cosh. Burrow will be

looking to get the kit, and that is very good pressure from Ratchford.

-- kick. Leeds, I'm tangling a little bit. It was a strange kick.

-- on tangling. Very good pressure. Very good

pressure, the little things make all the difference.

Chris Bridge has had more influence in this second period since his move

to the middle of the park. I think he has made a huge difference to the

Warrington team. Monaghan has lost the ball because he temporarily lost

consciousness. It is a tough game. He came down awkwardly. It was a

clash of heads. A clash of heads with Sutcliffe. It will be

possession to Leeds. Monaghan has been on the wards. They have to be

careful. There is a lot of Mcquay is mild. But head injuries are a

growing concern. -- there is a lot of machismo. You have got to be so

careful because players, their health and safety is a priority.

Sinfield is down injured. It will be interesting to see what happens. It

looks like it may have been a clash of heads. Let us have a look at

this. A bit of whiplash, really. Was he fair to make that challenge,

Brian Noble? Can I see it again! These are split second things. You

look at it in normal speed to see if he was committed or not. That was

late. I'm not sure they can go back to it because a player has played

the ball after it. One of these get up and get on with it moments.

Slowing things down a little. They have kept Russell under wraps.

They have done really well, Leeds. Russell has not had one clear

running chance. The next score, if there is going to be one, is going

to be crucial. If Leeds score, they are out of sight. If Warrington

score, they are back in with more than just a sniff.

Game over. Evans was brushed away and Tom Briscoe is going back to

Wembley, surely! He was there last year with the Hull side that were

beaten. He is going there this year, you would think, with a Leeds

side looking to break the jinx. There is still time but Leeds have

opened up a huge margin, psychologically and on the

scoreboard. Loose pass. He swoops on it. I thought he was going to get

run down for a second. Rhys Evans did well to get to him. It was a

great hand off. That could be it. Under the posts, converging, the 14

points there again. -- conversion. Rhys Evans did really well to get

anywhere close. These semifinals can go one way on the pendulum on the

bounce of a ball. Warrington have been the more dominant side. A team

like Leeds, you give them a sniff, and it is all over. Warrington have

had a couple of opportunities and they have not scored. Leeds have had

two opportunities and they have scored. That has been the

difference. He will not miss this. He does not have to rush things. A

kick that will put Leeds 14 points ahead. Warrington have two score

three times in the 11 and a half minutes that remain. Have they got

that in them? Is this going to be Leeds's day. Warrington have to be

more expansive. They have to take more risks. That opens up the

possibility of another Leeds score. They went short. They went for the

gamble but it has not paid off. The Leeds fans in good voice. Warrington

have never lost at this ground. They have only played here three times

previously. But it was still a decent record they brought here.

Absolutely perfect! Great kick. Fabulous. This is where they want to

play. When you have somebody doing that to you, it rips the hard side

of your spirits. That is why he is so important to this Leeds team. You

talk about the old guard, they know what to do. That game sense. It is

like a dagger in the hard if you are Warrington.

It was the Challenge Cup that brought Rhys Evans into rugby

schools finals. Was spotted and signed up. Kallum Watkins has worked

hard defensively today. Nine minutes left. A very healthy

lead for a Leeds. The Leeds fans celebrating in the

sunshine. Kallum Watkins gliding. Not able to

swerve past the Warrington defenders. The blindside option was

closed off. That takes the sting out of the situation. Good play. They

know their way from here. You would think so. All that semifinal

experience. They will get sick of the questions the next few weeks.

How much is that missing piece of the jigsaw hurting, the fact they

have not won a Challenge Cup final here?

That was a forward pass. It will be Leeds get possession back again.

Again, the bouncing ball is always awkward. A great tackle. There have

been a couple of moments from Peacock and Ablett, when Warrington

have made breaks. There is a lot of desire in this team. Far too many

errors by Warrington. The try saving tackles and the opportunities, Leeds

have come on top. Peacock back on for a Leeds. He

wants to be involved at this stage of the game.

Six minutes remaining. There is still time. There is still time. We

have seen It would be the story of the year. Certainly the story of the

weekend. We have not seen a lot of Matty

Russell doing that today. That is what he is capable of.

To rhetoric from Warrington. Plenty of tackles left. -- terrific from

Warrington. Westwood touches down! Well, we are going to have to go to

the video referee. You would have to use a offside. But if the Leeds

player has pulled it backwards, this will be a try.

I want to make sure the ball went backwards of Warrington. It appears

the Leeds player and knocked the ball down. Westwood was OK in that

position if it comes off a Leeds player. Can we have a closer view of

that, please? Does the ball go back from Warrington? Yes it does.

Westwood grounds the ball. Try. Warrington have a try with five

minutes remaining. You would suggest it is too little, too late. Full

marks to Ben Westwood keeping his wits about him. The cake is over.

24-16. -- kick. How are you going to say it? Or am I going to say it? The

goal kick at the start from Kevin Sinfield looks as though it may be

worth its weight in gold. We have written Warrington off at our peril.

I take full responsibility for that. I had written them off. They still

have a glimmer of a hope. They have field position now.

Sutcliffe was grasping at that. Warrington starred with six tackles

and they have about 48 yards. Sutcliffe is done well since coming

on for a Leeds. Warrington flooding forward.

Hardaker cleared it up but it is a dropout underneath the stakes.

Warrington get the ball back. The clock is against them now. Leeds

will take every second. Very good positional play from the Leeds

full-back. The referee stopped the clock. Three minutes and ten

seconds. Ample time. That was a monster of a kick. Just what Leeds

needed. It will be another 30 seconds at

least before Warrington get their hands on the ball again.

Warrington get it back earlier than they were expecting but there are

still only a couple of minutes to go and a long way to cover.

Man of the match, Jonathan Davies? On the one for me. The absolute

standout player. It has got to be Jamie Peacock. Absolutely immense

today. Warrington still hoping but hope is beginning to disappear. I

think it is the clock that beats them in the end. They keep fighting

on. Six tackles from here but they have

to score twice. Just over one minute remaining. Surely that is it? It

will be at least 30 seconds before the clock is stopped and there will

simply be no time left for Warrington in this game. No, that is

it. They will not score twice. The clock is stopped. A tremendous

second-half effort from Warrington. Giving a quality side a 14 start is

a big ask. Too many errors in the first half. Leeds have taken every

opportunity. This man will take the Leeds Rhinos to Wembley. They will

take all the time in the world. Kevin Sinfield with the drop out.

Leeds have to make two or three tackles here to put this game to

bed. Warrington will not score two tries in what remains of this game.

Briscoe collected the ball superbly well. Fantastic take. His try could

be crucial. Gave them a little breathing space. Momentum was with

Warrington. There goes the hooter. It is Leeds who are through. The

21st century has seen them dominate the Challenge Cup in terms of

getting to the final. They have done it for a seventh time in 15 years.

Is this going to be the year they finally win it? Tony Smith, the

Warrington coach, with a hog of congratulations for his opposite

number. It has been a great game. Whether it is witness or Castleford

in the final, Leeds will go there as favourites. Jamie Peacock, the man

of the match today, he will be with us tomorrow for the second

semifinal. Summary big performances. Summary big performances this

afternoon. -- so many. The first half cost Warrington beer. Yes, it

was a very poor performance in the first half. That was the difference.

Far too many errors. In the second half, they did create the

opportunities to get back into the game with some great defence by the

Leeds players. When Leeds had the opportunities, they scored their

tries. That was the difference. Leeds the winners. Here is the

winning coach. Congratulations. How big a

performance was that? I thought we were huge in the first half. They

respect to Warrington, it was never going to be like that in the second

half. They chanced their arm and it came off to a degree. We had to dig

in. It was a classic Challenge Cup tie. It means a lot to everybody.

The fans were brilliant. It gives the players a lift. Immensely proud

and privileged to be at Wembley again. What does it mean to get to

Wembley? It is done. We have got to get there first. Along the way we

have had to come up against some challenging teams to get there. Just

to be at Wembley, we're going to enjoy. To get there is to be

honoured. Not many people do that. We have to do the job when we are

there. That ain't going to be easy. Whenever this man retires they will

be scared. He has a presence about him. That word gets used quite often

but it is an understatement with its -- with this fella. That looked

quite brutal? Yes, it was a very tough game. Warrington have got

pedigree in this cup, especially over ourselves. I thought the start

was exceptional. We trained as well as we have all season this week.

There was a real focus to start like that and we did. We kept hold of the

ball. Wendy you start thinking about? No -- now! The last five

seconds! I have not got many chances again. It is fantastic to be there.

We have got London next week and then we build towards Wembley. What

do Leeds have to do differently to win this final? Just go out there

and win. That simple. Here is the Warrington Wolves coach,

Tony Smith, who used to work with Jamie Peacock. A fantastic start to

the second half but you left yourselves a little bit too much to

do? Way too much. We did not control the first-half at all. We had to do

too much defence in the early passage. We tried to front up to

that but it takes a lot out of you. We did not deserve it overall. Had

we been able to play like we played the second half, in the first-half,

we might have troubled them. But he give 14 points to a class team like

the Rhinos, it takes a lot of points to score. We were not quite up to

that. We gave it a shot. I don't think it was a bad advert for our

sport, the way it was played in the second half. Just a shame we did not

put our best foot forward in the first-half.

Thank you. It was very breathless at times. Dennis, your view of the

game? I think Tony summed it up. Leeds play better than Warrington.

The start of the game was really crucial. Leeds scored the points.

Warrington had a go in the second half. The completion rate still was

not fantastic. They completed a little bit better. But I always felt

that Leeds were the better team on the day. No qualms from Tony Smith.

He knows they were second best. Overall, defensively, Leeds or

outstanding. Was the Tom Briscoe tribe where they put it to bed?

Possibly. The damage was done early doors. Tony was talking about it.

The Briscoe try was fantastic. Rob Burrow has to make a decision, who

does he go for? Briscoe did the rest. He put his head down. He does

a massive fundamental part of the game. On the way back, he has a

little luck and he transfers the ball over, uses that arm to bend.

Great piece of skill in itself. Brian, earlier in the season Leeds

were so mean and defence. We saw aspects of that today again? And

they had to score at the right time. They scored 24 points today to beat

a very good team. I pick up on what Tony said about the first-half and

how disappointed they were. What happens is it builds pressure on you

as an offensive team. They have to play the whole of the second half

perhaps not having to concede anything to get back into this game.

The pressure that has led to that a try from Briscoe, because they are

trying to play expansive rugby, I thought Warrington were to rhetoric

in the second half. Leeds deserved the game.

Absolutely. We will talk much more about this game on the red button.

We have got the other game, Widnes at Castleford, tomorrow. -- Widnes

against Castleford. But for now, Leeds booked their place at Wembley

in the Challenge Cup final. We will find out tomorrow who will join

them. Goodbye.