Leeds Rhinos 28 Huddersfield Giants 6: YEP video review

YEP rugby league writer Peter Smith reflects on Leeds Rhinos' 28-6 defeat of Super League's bottom club Huddersfield Giants.

Transcript

00:01Job done for Leeds Rhinos here at AMT Headingley this evening on Good Friday

00:0628 points to six win over Huddersfield Giants.

00:09It was virtually the same game as last week at Salford, really.

00:12Leeds led 6-0 at half-time for the attack, struggled in the first half

00:17and then had a little purple patch in the second after scoring an early try

00:20and were convincing winners.

00:22It looked for the most part that they'd keep a second clean sheet

00:25but Huddersfield managed to get a try later on through Tom Burgess

00:29which was converted, but Leeds were dominant physically.

00:33The defence was very strong, rarely gave Huddersfield a sniff.

00:36The attack obviously needs to be sharper.

00:40I've been speaking to players and coaches afterwards.

00:42They were actually quite happy with the way Leeds attacked today

00:45which wasn't the case last week against Salford.

00:48They were particularly pleased with the patience Leeds showed.

00:50A few things went against them.

00:52They got over the line a number of times in the first half without reward.

00:56They had a couple of touchdowns ruled out by the video referee.

00:59One for a forward pass and another held up.

01:02But they stuck at it and they seemed confident that they'd wear Huddersfield down in the end.

01:09And that's what happened.

01:11I think they're developing as a team.

01:13There's still so much more to come from this Leeds outfit.

01:16But positive signs.

01:19Much bigger test next week against Hull KR who are top of the league.

01:22That will be a real challenge for Leeds.

01:24I'd expect them to play better.

01:26They seem to play better against the better teams.

01:28But that will be a challenge.

01:30We'll see what sort of side they are when that game comes along.

01:33One final note today about Kelm Watkins.

01:36Great to see him back.

01:37It was great to see the reception he got from the crowd when he came on for his second debut.

01:4217 days, 17 years rather, to the day since his first.

01:46And he scored an excellent try in the second half which began the purple patch.

01:52Great to see him back playing in the middle.

01:54He looked really good and he's going to be a terrific addition for Leeds.