Rhinos stunned in France

Stacul: Winning try

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Catalans Dragons secured just their second ever Super League victory over Leeds Rhinos amidst late drama at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

The Dragons looked comfortable winners midway through the second half only to be hit by a rampaging Rhinos side.

However, winger Cyril Stacul scored a last gasp try to condemn the reigning Super League champions to defeat in France.

The away side suffered a blow in the opening minutes as Ian Kirke was stretchered off with knee injury after falling awkwardly while being tackled.

Pressure

But the Rhinos pressured their opponents early in the game, being stopped just short of the try line numerous times by a determined Dragons defence.

Greg Bird found himself in a dangerous position at the other end but his offload was wayward and picked up by Ali Lauitiiti.

The hosts started to come into the match as the half wore on and took the lead when Adam Mogg launched a high kick towards the corner that was caught and grounded by Steven Bell.

The scores were levelled when Danny McGuire side-stepped over the line for a try after a prolonged period of pressure from Leeds.

Les Catalans edged ahead again when Thomas Bosc knocked over a simple penalty kick to give the home side a two-point advantage.

But Leeds hit back almost immediately when Keith Senior played McGuire in for his second try and Kevin Sinfield nailed a very difficult conversion from out wide.

Another penalty from Bosc on the stroke of half time reduced the deficit to only two points again as the teams headed into the interval.

The Dragons got their noses back in front shortly after the break when they were awarded a penalty just metres from the try line after Sinfield was penalised for holding back an opposing player off the ball.

Jean Philippe Baile converted the opportunity and Bosc then kicked his fourth goal to swing the game in the home side's favour.

Fantastic break

Kevin Walters' side extended their advantage after a fantastic break from Bosc that led to Olivier Elima bundling the ball over the whitewash for a converted try that gave the Dragons a 10-point lead.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure but failed to put the game beyond doubt despite being awarded a penalty less than five metres from the Leeds try line.

Elima scored for the second time in the 65th minute to seemingly end the game as a contest. Bosc was the catalyst once again, lofting a perfect kick into the Frenchman's arms.

Ryan Hall gave the Rhinos a lifeline when he cleverly ran on to his own chip forward and Sinfield converted to reduce the gap back to 10.

Lauitiiti set up a tense finale when he powered his way over the line and Brent Webb completed the comeback straight from the kick-off when he benefited from Danny Buderus' break before sliding home under the posts.

However, there was one last twist as the Dragons received possession from a knock-on and Stacul dived over in the corner to secure a dramatic victory and send the home crowd into raptures.