The Rhinos produced an incredible second half showing to score 48 points after the break and run out 54-20 winners over Quins at the Stoop.
Leeds trailed 16-6 at the interval and looked like they may slump to their third successive defeat. However, Leeds looked a changed side after the break and blew Quins away with eight tries to take them back two points behind St Helens at the top of the table.
Tony Smith shuffled his pack for the Rhinos trip to London with Kylie Leuluai making a rare appearance in the starting line up alongside Kevin Sinfield and Ryan Bailey in the front row, whilst Jamie Peacock reverted to the second row.
However it was the home side who hit the front early on when centre Paul Sykes crossed for the opening try after eight minutes after the Rhinos had conceded quick back to back penalties. However, he was unable to convert his own score.
Quins came out fired up and put the Rhinos under real pressure in sweltering conditions. As well as the hot temperatures, tempers were also hot with the Rhinos being twice put on report for high shots by referee Phil Bentham. Leeds had to re-organise their back line when Rob Burrow had to leave the field after receiving a heavy blow to the head.
Leeds had opportunities to hit back but were unable to make the most of their chances. Firstly, they were pulled up for crossing and then, having regained possession after a big hit by Ryan Bailey, but an offload from Jamie Jones-Buchanan was intercepted.
However after 17 minutes the Rhinos did manage to hit back and it was Jamie Thackray who got the visitors under way only 60 seconds after coming off the bench. He drove the ball up and powered his way over. Kevin Sinfield added the conversion from in front of the posts to give Leeds the lead.
The Rhinos were reduced to 12 men shortly afterwards when Brent Webb was sin binned for a high tackle as Phil Bentham lost patience with the visitors and decided to show a card.
Leeds paid the price a minute late when Scott Hill bumped off the tackle, having reacted to a quick play the ball and went over with the Rhinos still adjusting to be a man light. Sykes added the conversion to make it 10-6 to the home side.
Quins made the most of their numerical advantage and extended their lead with less than ten minutes remaining in the half when Tyrone Smith released full back Mark McLinden and he raced through the gap to score. Ryan Hall complained that referee Phil Bentham obstructed him but the score was given and Sykes added the conversion to make it 16-6.
The Rhinos had chances to hit back with half chances for Keith Senior and Ryan Hall, the latter going on a brilliant run beating five men in the process. But the visitors could not cross the line and remained ten points behind Quins at half time.
The Rhinos started strongly after the break and could have scored in their first set following a break by Danny McGuire. He broke through before releasing Gareth Ellis. He had plenty of options but gave a poor pass to Webb and the chance went begging.
However, the Rhinos continued to turn the screw and had further chances for Scott Donald and Clinton Toopi but eventually the score came from Brent Webb. The full back was set up by a great offload by Jamie Thackray and he crossed for a well deserved try for the Rhinos after a great start to the second half. Sinfield converted to make the score 16-12 to the home side after 48 minutes.
It got even better from the re-start as Danny McGuire kicked through a great 40:20 kick to continue the pressure on the home side. In the sweltering conditions, inevitably pressure would lead to points and so it was when Jordan Tansey collected his own grubber kick from close range to score between the posts. Sinfield's conversion re-took the lead and capped a remarkable start to the second half from the Rhinos as they overturned the 10 point interval deficit.
Whatever had been said by Tony Smith at half time, it was certainly having an effect as the Rhinos continued to steamroll their way through the Quins.
Ali Lauitiiti was awarded a penalty after the ball was reefed out and Kevin Sinfield was alert to the options. Quins were visibly shaken in the face of the Rhinos onslaught and the heat and Sinfield took a quick tap, spun out of the tackle and touched down. He converted his own try to make it 24-16 to the visitors.
On the hour mark Gareth Ellis scored the Rhinos fourth try of the half after a good inside ball by Danny McGuire, the Quins defence was caught flat footed and the Great Britain international strolled over the line. Sinfield's conversion made the score 30-16.
With 17 minutes remaining the Rhinos continued their demolition of Quins when Scott Donald picked up a loose pass by Danny Orr on his own line and raced the full length of the field to score. Sinfield's conversion making it 36-16.
Five minutes later, Leeds were in again. The visitors gained field position when Jordan Tansey was taken out as he chased a kick. From the quick tap, Brent Webb released Jamie Peacock from short range and he finished off the move to bring up the 40 point mark for the Rhinos. Sinfield again converted to make it 42-16.
With six minutes remaining Quins finally got on the scoreboard in the second half when Danny Orr's kick was blocked by Danny McGuire. He latched on to the loose ball, dribbled ahead before picking up the ball and touching down. The conversion was missed by Sykes so it remained 42-20.
However, the Rhinos had the last laugh as Keith Senior released McGuire on his own line. McGuire raced through and sprinted up field to beat McLinden and score in the corner, with Senior sprinting alongside him all the way but was not needed. Jordan Tansey took over kicking duties from Sinfield and slotted a brilliant touchline conversion to make it 48-20.
Senior then set up Brent Webb for his second try of the game to bring up the 50 point mark. The centre drew McLinden before passing to Webb to go over. Tansey converted again to make it 54-20 at the final hooter.
Quins: Mark McLinden, Jon Wells, Paul Sykes, Tyrone Smith, Rikki Sheriffe, Scott Hill, Danny Orr, Karl Temata, Chad Randall, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Matthew Gafa, Lee Hopkins, Henry Paul.
Subs: Julien Rinaldi, Rob Purdham, Jon Grayshon, Joe Mbu
Leeds: Brent Webb, Scott Donald, Clinton Toopi, Keith Senior, Ryan Hall, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Ryan Bailey, Kevin Sinfield, Kylie Leuluai, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jamie Peacock, Gareth Ellis
Subs: Jamie Thackray, Jordan Tansey, Ali Lauitiiti, Ian Kirke
Referee: Phil Bentham
