The British game's top two sides will go head to head in the first of the weekend's Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium.

And McClennan is expecting both teams to rise to the occasion.

"I think these big games do bring the best out of you," said McClennan. "It is exciting and it's a big challenge for people.

"These clubs are used to being in finals and the players are used to being in Test matches and what have you.

"These are the ones that make you think about the game a bit more. You wake up with it on your mind and this is what competing at the highest level is all about."

Rhinos started the season in sensational form, but Saints – on a 15-game winning run – have come good at a time when Leeds' form has dipped and have been made hot favourites to reach their third consecutive final.

McClennan, though, believes his team have shown signs of getting back to their best.

"We have made progress over the last couple of weeks," said the Leeds coach. "It was a good effort over in Perpignan last week, but we feel like we can raise again and we feel that there's