Peter Smith's Leeds Rhinos player ratings from 40-8 thrashing by Wigan Warriors

Wigan go into the final round, when they play host to Catalans Dragons, holding a two point advantage after ending Leeds’ long run at the top of Betfred Super League. Mathematically, Rhinos need a point against Hull FC next Friday to secure a home semi-final, but third-placed Warrington Wolves’ loss to Wakefield Trinity means that’s realistically a done deal.

Leeds, though, need to beat Hull and - as importantly - play well to sooth the mental scars from a second successive home loss. The game got off to a disastrous start for Rhinos who trailed 10-0 after 12 minutes and were already without one of their most influential players by that stage.

Full-back Lachie Miller was a big loss and with Bevan French producing a masterclass, Wigan always had an edge. Seven tries to one tells its own story. Wigan have been the best side in the competition since their Wembley triumph in May and it’s hard to see anyone stopping them completing the treble in less than a month’s time.

Injury added to insult for Leeds, Miller lasted just seven minutes before picking up what looked like a hamstring issue, forcing a reshuffle and reducing Rhinos to 16 fit players. Within the next five minutes Adam Keighran had scored two tries to give the visitors a lead they never looked like losing.

Leeds were still adjusting when, in a penalty set, Austin Daniel went past Zak Lloyd - who had just come on for Miller - and the centre was in support to cross. French booted a 40-20 in the next set and though Chris Hankinson and Jake Connor managed to hold up Luke Thompson, French’s brilliant ball sent Keighran over again and this time he also added the goal.

Rhinos didn’t get over half way until a penalty after 17 minutes. On the last Connor hoisted a kick to Leeds’ right and Ash Handley leaped to make a fine catch and then rolled over the line for a try which Connor improved.

Rhinos were on the front foot for a spell after that, boosted by Tom Holroyd’s introduction off the bench, but a harsh penalty near Wigan’s line relieved the pressure and Daniel went in for the visitors’ third try, on 29 minutes, from another magical French pass.

It could have been worse for Rhinos when Kaide Ellis looked a certain try scorer two minutes before the interval, but Harry Newman made a stunning try-saving tackle. Leeds held out, were awarded a penalty 40 metres out and Connor made it 16-8 with the final kick of the half.

Video official Jack Smith went with the on-field call of no try, touch in goal, when Handley had a chance at the start of the second period. Wigan got a set-restart in the next set and at the end of it Liam Marshall went over at the corner from Zach Eckersley’s pass. Keighran’s third goal made it 22-8 and ended any prospect of a Leeds fightback.

They applied some pressure after that, but Wigan’s defence was too good and they rubbed Rhinos’ noses in the mud with three tries in the final 14 minutes, to French, Jai Field and Keighran, who finished with six goals to go alongside his hat-trick. The attendance was a capacity 19,698, but many of Leeds’ fans had drifted home well before the final whistle. Rhinos actually received more penalties, seven to Wigan’s five. The 10 set restarts were shared.

Leeds Rhinos: Miller, Hall, Bird, Handley, Newman, Croft, Connor, Oledzki, O’Connor, Jenkins, Watkins, Hankinson, Cassell. Subs Holroyd, C Smith, Lodge, Lloyd.

Wigan Warriors: Field, Daniel, Keighran, Eckersley, Marshall, French, H Smith, Harvard, O’Neill, Thompson, McDermott, Partington, Ellis. Subs Nsemba, Walters, Mago, Kerr.

Referee: Liam Moore (Wigan). Attendance: 19,698.