Wigan Warriors 26 Leeds Rhinos 27: Sinfield's late goal ensures Leeds get week off

In delivering a coolly-slotted late drop goal last night that edged his side to within 80 minutes of a fourth successive Grand Final, the captain's speed of thought and act showed no signs of slowing.

But, as under-pressure champions Leeds stunned favourites Wigan in an enthralling game of epic proportions, there was still chance for him to age in an instant.

With just seconds remaining, and outstanding Leeds clinging on to the slender advantage his measured boot had provided three minutes earlier, the desperate minor premiers launched one last raid from deep.

Pat Richards was slipped away down the left touchline and, with Scott Donald advancing across at pace, hacked on ahead only to be tackled late into touch by the Australian.

The offence took place just eight metres into Leeds's half although George Carmont – trying to support his winger – had also earlier been dragged down in backplay by Danny McGuire further inside Wigan territory.

With only five seconds now left on the clock, referee Thierry Alibert had a huge decision to make and ultimately acted on the second offence, crucially at a point within range of Richards's mighty boot.

With McGuire, who had been a catalyst for much of Leeds's fightback from an early 14-0 deficit, being stretchered off after suffering knee ligament damage in the melee that ensued his foul, Richards stepped up as the DW Stadium held its breath.

However, Super League's top points scorer, and Man of Steel favourite, saw his effort fall short leaving a gleeful Keith Senior to run the ball into touch and finally put an end to the finest game of the entire 2010 season.

Leeds may have endured their troubles this year but they put those all behind them last night to produce a classic performance with the hulking Greg Eastwood proving a massive influence up front as a makeshift prop and McGuire's brilliance yet again to the fore.

Sinfield, who admitted on the eve of the game that his under-performing side faced a huge battle to reach Old Trafford from fourth, was also back to his imperious best his only blemish being when he sailed a re-start dead.

That led to the mesmerising England star Sam Tomkins's second try after only five minutes as fragile Leeds were caught cold.

Richards converted twice and added a penalty to put powerful Wigan seemingly in control but, with only their second real attacking opportunity, the visitors managed to reduce the deficit in the 23rd minute.

Wigan had seen the influential Paul Deacon limp off with a groin problem and Eastwood, the transfer-listed Kiwi who is closing in on a return to Canterbury Bulldogs next month, used his power to shrug off Paul Prescott and Joel Tomkins, getting his arms free for Danny Buderus to dive over.

Just three minutes later, on the back of more Wigan ill-discipline, McGuire's beautiful long pass wide was executed perfectly and left Richards flapping in mid-air as Ryan Hall collected and cut in for the 31st try of his season.

Sinfield converted both before the dashing McGuire did brilliantly again to deny Richards in the corner following Liam Farrell's break.

It proved a crucial turning point as, soon after, Sinfield leveled the contest when Joel Tomkins was penalised for a foolish kick out at McGuire in front of the posts.

Leeds got the perfect start to the second half when Sinfield twisted out of Michael McIlorum's tackle on halfway and expertly sent Webb haring into open space.

Typically, McGuire was in support and the elusive England international – perhaps enjoying the form of his career – sped home.

Sinfield improved again but was then harshly penalised for holding down Sam Tomkins, Harrison Hansen weaved back across and found an off-load for Stuart Fielden who deftly handed on and Liam Farrell angled back over the stricken defence.

Richards brought it all square again only to see Sinfield, Burrow and McGuire link with the sort of genuine crispness that had been lacking

for much of the year.

Scott Donald had enough power to shake off Sam Tomkins's desperate attempt and Sinfield curled in his conversion from touch.

Unfortunately, Hall's handling error immediately allowed Richards to capitalise again off more quality play from Sam Tomkins but Richards could not repeat Sinfield's trick from touch.

The Ireland World Cup star also missed a penalty attempt before finding his aim when Sinfield was again poorly adjudged to have gone high on Fielden.

However, it was the Leeds captain who had the last word, as he so often has in his illustrious career, striking the crucial one-pointer on only the third tackle.

Shocked Wigan were left beaten and facing a sudden-death eliminator with Hull KR on Friday night while the champions, who had Buderus placed on report for an alleged spear tackle, took a giant stride towards returning to Manchester and have earned a rest next weekened.

Meanwhile, St Helens will now host Club Call on Sunday meaning they have the right to choose their semi-final opponents - the victors of Wigan's game or Warrington v Huddersfield.

Wigan: S. Tomkins, Goulding, Gleeson, Carmont, Richards, Deacon, Leuluai, Fielden, Riddell, Coley, Farrell, J. Tomkins, S. O'Loughlin. Substitutes: Hansen, Prescott, McIlorum, Tuson.

Leeds: Webb, Hall, Delaney, Senior, Donald, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Buderus, Bailey, Kirke, Ablett, Sinfield. Substitutes: Diskin, Eastwood, Clarkson, Lauitiiti.

Referee: T Alibert (Toulouse).