Leeds Rhinos 32 St Helens 28: Rhinos veteran Peacock finally reaches his first Wembley final

Not the off-load that had sent Danny McGuire haring away for the match-clinching try, as that was enacted with typical precision, but the Leeds stalwart's attempts at jumping for joy as he followed the mercurial stand-off's dash for the line.

A drained Peacock, a two-time Challenge Cup winner with Bradford, knew he had finally achieved the one thing missing off his CV – a visit to Wembley – and another step had been taken towards lifting the famous trophy with his hometown club, but he could barely get into the air as he tried lifting his huge frame.

And, with six minutes still remaining, only marginally back in front at 32-28, Leeds still had work to do against a relentless Saints side which had given everything in a dramatic Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final befitting any final.

Kylie Leuluai, who along with the productive Ryan Bailey had an immense game in the Leeds front-row, threw himself at Paul Wellens before teaming up with Peacock to deny Scott Moore, the sort of defensive fortitude which had escaped his side in a costly first-half spell.

Saints still had an opportunity to hurt their opponents but Jon Wilkin – operating at stand-off after Leon Pryce's late withdrawal with a neck injury – inexplicably tried putting a kick through on only the second tackle and Leeds easily escaped.

Their frustrated opponents would never get near their line again and the elated Yorkshiremen held on to reach Wembley for the first time since 1999.

It had been such a different story at half-time when Leeds's obituary had already been written.

A disastrous 12-minute spell heading towards the break had seen them squander a solid start and had all the hallmarks of the inconsistencies which have plagued their Super League campaign.

After Luke Burgess had cheaply lost the ball in the tackle, the prop then failed to close a gap which Moore exploited to send Wellens over from close range and there was more defensive weakness soon after when the outstanding Keiron Cunningham did what he has been doing for the last 15 years by barreling over from dummy half.

But worse was to follow in the penultimate minute of the half when Greg Eastwood – making a surprise return from injury – crazily tried palming on a Kevin Sinfield pass without even looking and Francis Meli intercepted for a simple 40-metre stroll to the line, Jamie Foster's third conversion making it 18-8.

Leeds had been 8-0 ahead after Sinfield had added to his early penalty by converting Ryan Hall's 21st-minute try and, with McGuire's pace and trickery constantly shredding the

Saints defence, they were in command.

But then they imploded. When Leeds made errors, their opponents – playing in a 10th successive semi-final – capitalised, something Brian McClennan's men failed to do for large periods, and Wembley seemed as distant as ever.

However, in the second period, the nerveless Rhinos proved, for all their problems, why they have been Super League champions for the last three years, with a display rich in courage, class and desire.

Hall quickly sneaked over for his second following a mistake from Wilkin and, even when Matt Gidley responded with a try for Saints following more suspect line defence, they did not wilt.

Just before the hour mark, rampaging centre Keith Senior, at his forceful best continually tearing into Saints and getting his side on the front foot, snaked out of dummy half following a quick play-the-ball.

Involved in three of his side's tries, he cut them open up the middle before finding McGuire who, after juggling three times, finally held on to speed in for his 200th career touchdown.

Soon after, Danny Buderus made the most of another swift ruck, slaloming through ragged defence before delivering a brilliant flick pass for Brent Webb to race over, regaining his side the lead at 26-22.

The duel between hookers Buderus and old stager Cunningham was fascinating – even though they rarely actually faced each other.

The tie ebbed and flowed with Saints taking command when Cunningham was on the field, his control as faultless as ever, and then Leeds upping the ante once Buderus entered the fray.

The former Australian captain dictated expertly and also came up with some crucial tackles but his efforts looked likely to be in vain when Bailey went high on James Roby.

Cunningham picked out Graham and the England prop twisted over despite incensed Leeds players' calls of a forward pass.

Foster's conversion nudged Saints ahead once more with nine minutes remaining and it needed a gargantuan effort to get Leeds back in.

However, the striding Peacock – who had been off the pace early on – provided it, squeezing out a pass for McGuire to set off on an unstoppable diagonal run.

MATCH FOCUS

Hero: Danny McGuire

In a team full of stellar performances, Danny McGuire's crucial two second-half tries – after a first period in which he completely bewitched St Helens with his devastating running – ensured he was the darling of the Leeds fans. He was a constant danger to Saints and his support play proved exemplary.

Villain: Jon Wilkin

Having just fallen 32-28 behind, with a few minutes left to save the tie and positioned deep in Leeds's 20, why Jon Wilkin not only kicked on the second tackle but did so so poorly only he will know.

Key moment

41st minute: The first score of the second half would be vital and Leeds got it through Ryan Hall's second try to get them back in the contest trailing just 18-14.

Ref watch

Phil Bentham: Generally a solid afternoon but was fortunate McGuire popped up to win it after the official missed a forward pass in Saints' late try.

Verdict

Edgy Leeds showed their champion class by finding a way to win while St Helens, although generally adjusting to his loss impressively, ultimately lacked Leon Pryce's incisiveness when it came to the endgame.

Quote of the day

There's still life in the old dog yet.

– An ebullient Leeds centre Keith Senior, 34, speaking about his own rampaging performance but summing up his side's effort as well.

Next game

Castleford Tigers (a) Friday August 13, 8pm kick-off 8pm.