THE topsy-turvy nature of Leeds Rhinos' season was demonstrated by their performance at Harlequins on Saturday.
For the first 10 minutes they were dreadful, not getting their hands on the ball until six or seven minutes had gone by, and then failing to complete their first few sets of six.
By this time Harlequins, with Danny Orr calling the shots, had esta
blished a four-point lead through a third-minute try by Chris Melling.
A defeat in the corresponding fixture last season saw the start of a period in which the Rhinos lost their six-point lead and there was every chance here that they could be falling further behind St Helens.
Suddenly they clicked into gear. Danny McGuire’s astute kick through was finished by Kevin Sinfield and the skipper kicked the first of his eight goals from eight attempts to mark his 350th club appearance with a 20-point tally.
Once in front Leeds never looked like being caught, although their performance throughout the first half was of the stop-start variety. McGuire went over to make it 12-4 and although David Howell responded on 26 minutes, a try from Jamie Jones-Buchanan 11 minutes later and a Sinfield penalty right on half-time gave them a fairly comfortable 20-8 lead.
Early second half tries from Scott Donald and Brent Webb virtually ensured victory. Danny Buderus, Lee Smith and Ryan Hall completed the try scoring, with the impressive Chad Randall pulling one back for the home side.
Webb was back to his best, linking well in attack and showing great strength to hold up Daniel Heckenberg to prevent a try. McGuire was increasingly influential as the game went on.
The half-back combination of McGuire and Richard Myler had been very impressive in the previous week’s international, but Rob Burrow responded with an international class display, despite a leg being heavily strapped, to issue a reminder that he will not give up his England place without a battle.
The scrum-half was at his buzzing best and the Rhinos look a far more effective and dangerous unit when Burrow is in full swing.
After the disjointed opening, the forwards worked well as a unit with Jamie Peacock, as ever, setting the lead, well supported by Kylie Lealuai and Ali Lauitiiti making a big impact from the bench.
On Friday Bradford Bulls are the visitors to Headingley and no predictions will be forthcoming from this quarter. The Bulls have struggled all season, but were worthy winners at Odsal in the Good Friday encounter.
Leeds will be wanting to make amends for that in front of their own supporters and, on current form, will go in as favourites. But there has been a lack of week-to-week consistency throughout 2009 and this could well be another close affair.
The news Lee Smith will be leaving at the end of the season is disappointing.
