Mac - Poor start cost us

Skipper Sinfield doubtful for Challenge Cup semi

Last updated: 5th July 2008

brian mcclennan

McClennan: Poor start

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Leeds coach Brian McClennan admitted their 23-22 defeat at the hands of Wigan was hard to take, the Super League champions falling just short after scoring three late tries at the JJB Stadium.

As their opponents tired, the Rhinos battled back from 23-6 down after an hour but, with Rob Burrow missing a last-minute penalty, they were left facing up to a third defeat in four games.

They could now lose top spot if St Helens win by at least 32 points against Harlequins on Saturday.

McClennan refused to blame Burrow for his missed 40-metre effort, insisting his side's poor start cost them the points.

"You want to win those close games," he said. "I know we've been involved in what you would regard as a great game but to lose is hard to take.

"The first 20 minutes, we were indisciplined and that's something that has got to improve. Going down 16-0 is what cost us the game.

"Rob is a fantastic player and I am disappointed he was put in that position."

Burrow assumed kicking duties after captain Kevin Sinfield left the field having sustained a knee injury which leaves him a doubt for the Challenge Cup semi-final with St Helens at the end of the month.

"We think it's a medial ligament strain," McClennan added.

"Fingers crossed, it's just a strain. He couldn't put much weight on it but we'll know more on Monday."

Dream start

Wigan made a dream start with two tries in the first nine minutes from Australian winger Cameron Phelps, while substitute Liam Colbon added another on 29 minutes.

Full-back Pat Richards kicked two conversions and an all-important drop-goal as the home side led 17-0 at half-time.

A Danny McGuire try early in the second half gave Leeds hope but centre Darrell Goulding looked to have won it when he charged over for a fourth Wigan try on the hour.

However, Leeds applied pressure in the final quarter and three tries in a dramatic 10-minute spell from Ryan Hall, Keith Senior and Gareth Ellis set up a tense finish for home fans.

"They really ripped into us towards the end," said Wigan coach Brian Noble.

"Ali Lauitiiti was playing basketball and the three blokes you don't want to get the ball in broken field - Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and Brent Webb - all came at us.

"But I thought we had done enough in the first 55 or 60 minutes, so we would have been disappointed if we had lost.

"The drop-goal just before half-time was probably a smart play in the end."

Noble also paid tribute to front-row pair Stuart Fielden and Andy Coley, who helped to make up for the loss of injured props Iafeta Paleaaesina and Paul Prescott.

"The front row was good again," said Noble.

"Stuart Fielden is back to something like international form and Andy Coley has showed why he was in the international set-up at the back end of last year."