Rhinos v Saints - Teams

Leeds v St Helens, Challenge Cup semi-final, Saturday July 26th, KO 12.30pm

Last updated: 25th July 2008  

Rhinos v Saints - Teams

Gardner: Massive game

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Great Britain winger Ade Gardner says St Helens' Carnegie Challenge Cup showdown with Leeds Rhinos will be "one of the biggest games I've played in".

The in-form Saints, who have won their last 15 matches in all competitions, are aiming for a hat-trick of Carnegie Challenge Cup final appearances.

However, defending Super League champions Leeds stand in the way of the holders in Saturday's much-anticipated first semi-final at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium.

Given their current run of form, Saints are favourites to reach Wembley, and Gardner claims confidence in the camp is high.

"Obviously we're playing well but it's down to hard work," said Gardner, who is Super League's top tryscorer with 26 so far this season. "The boys are absolutely killing it in training, everyone is doing extras.

"Confidence is high because we are winning on the pitch but no-one is resting on their laurels.

"It's going to be an absolutely massive game, one of the biggest games I've played in.

"Apart from when we played Wigan in the Cup final in 2004, I've never known a build-up with this much hype. It's just a joy to be involved in it."

Winning run

Saints' winning run includes a recent 26-12 triumph at Headingley, but Gardner also has vivid memories of their heart-breaking 2003 semi-final loss to Leeds at Huddersfield.

Despite playing in the three earlier rounds, Gardner was left out of the squad five years ago and watched on as the Rhinos fought back with an injury-time converted try.

With the match being taken into extra time, Leeds then snatched a 33-26 victory courtesy of a second try from substitute Danny McGuire.

"I was carrying the water that day and I got the best view of Kevin Sinfield's kick going right through the sticks in the last minute," Gardner recalled. "It was really tough on the boys that day. They were really distraught after that game. It took a lot to get over it.

"I think it's going to be a tight game on Saturday but hopefully it won't go to the last minute again and break our hearts a second time.

"There definitely won't be much in it. Leeds are going to be massively up for it."

Saints recall second rower Paul Clough after he was rested for last week's 46-12 thrashing of Wigan. He could replace of Paul Sculthorpe, who came off with a hamstring injury at the JJB Stadium.

Leeds hope to have Brent Webb back after the full-back missed last week's win over Catalans Dragons with a back injury.

But second rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan is out with a hamstring tear and coach Brian McClennan has called up Luke Burgess and Simon Worrall as cover.

Leeds (from): Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Smith, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Ellis, Sinfield, Lauitiiti, Scruton, Kirke, Ablett, Hall, Burgess, Worrall.

St Helens (from): Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Talau, Meli, Pryce, Long, Cunningham, Cayless, Gilmour, Wilkin, Sculthorpe, Roby, Flannery, Graham, Hargreaves, Clough, Fa'asavalu, Eastmond.