Leeds Rhinos 20 Hull KR 12

Saturday 2nd February, 2008

JJB missed the opening game of the season due to a last minute hamstring injury but thankfully Nick Scruton was on hand. Apart from this, the team that was fielded was the same that overcome Saints in October of last year. It was also a return for Chev Walker, former Rhinos player that now plays for the Robins after a spell playing for Bath RU.

With 10 new players playing for Hull KR, many Leeds fans must of been expecting for the Champions to walk all over the opposition. But this was far from correct - Hull KR pushed Leeds all the way.

It took 15 minutes until the first points were on the board thanks to a stroke of good luck after a Hull KR knock on. From the scrum after moving from left to right, Senior recieved a pass and then found Scott Donald on the wing who crossed the line. Skipper Kevin Sinfield failed to convert.

It was 27 minutes until the Rovers replied when Danny McGuire was caught in an off side position. From the resulting tackles, Webster managed to get over the line. They too failed to convert. The score was now 4 a peice.

The Rhinos were once again ruled off side. This time it was Ellis who was penalised. From the penalty kick, Webster kicked the ball over the bar to take the lead into half time.

After a tough first half where both teams were pushing each other to the max, both fans were ready for an exciting and close second half after some ugly rugby from both sides.

It was approaching the last quarter of the game when Webster managed to run forty metres to score after a missed tackle by Lee Smith. The extras were added by Mirrell and the score was now 12-4 to the Robins.

The momentum changed on 64 even though Bailey was denied by the video ref after appearing to make a double movement.

Only a minute later and the Rhinos were in. A brilliant tackle involving 3 or 4 Leeds players forced a knock on. The ball then reached Toopi who found Smith on the wing who passed over to score after a great move by McGuire. Sinfield failed to convert after hitting the post but this really didn't make much of a difference as the Rhinos still needed to score again.

Less than ten minutes later and Leeds were in again. This time it was once again great work by McGuire and Smith. Danny's grubber was dropped by a KR deffender and was grounded by Smith who went over the white wash to score. After going to the screen, the try was given and then converted by Sinfield to make the score 14-12 to Leeds.

On 76 minutes Bailey used his power but went short of the line - clear to all Rhinos supporters in the Southstand and Carnegie but although Silverwood was in the best position to see, he still decided to go the the screen. It was awarded no try.

In the last minute stand off Danny McGuire ran for the line and was hit by a tackle but managed to spin round to ground the ball - all when the Rhinos could of took the easy option of taking the 2 points in a penalty kick. Sinfield converted to make the final score 20-12 to the home side.

After a great second half comeback, there is really nothing we can complain about here. Leeds showed us what they can do in the last 15 minutes of the game and don't forget, Hull KR are a good side. They had a great game plan, which very nearly paid off and you really can see them in the play offs this season. As for the Rhinos, it was a positive performance. The side did look a little rusty, but it's the start of the season, and we got the two points.

Next up for the Rhinos is Huddersfield at the Galpharm on Sunday, 3pm - we hope to see you there!

Match Facts

Crowd: 18,476

Referee: Richard Silverwood

Video Referee: Phil Bentham

Leeds Rhinos: Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Smith, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Kirke, Ellis, Sinfield.

Subs: Bailey, Scruton, Ablett, Lauitiiti.

Hull KR: Briscoe, Fox, Walker, Jake Webster, Fitzhenry, Chester, James Webster, Vella, Netherton, Mills, Newton, Galea, Murrell.

Subs: Gene, Crossman, Aizue, Cockayne.

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