Tomkins runs the show as champions are crushed

Leeds 8 Wigan 50

Sam Tomkins beats the challenge of Leeds' Zak Hardaker (left) and Danny McGuire at Headingley last night (PA)

A spectacular 11th win in a row confirmed Wigan as favourites for a Super League title it is looking increasingly impossible for Leeds to retain.

Even with a seriously depleted side, the Warriors were far too good, especially when Sam Tomkins was on the ball. He might not have scored last night but he tormented the Rhinos from the start.

If Leeds have a little voice in their minds telling them they they won their title from outside the top four, it is to be hoped that it adds that they cannot win it from outside the top eight – because that is where they are heading.

The Leeds coach, Brian McDermott, under similar pressure this time last year, admitted: "Tonight we just weren't good enough." As for Wigan, Tomkins had a chilling thought for their rivals. "We haven't peaked yet," he said. "To come here with the kids like we did was a great effort," added his coach, Shaun Wane.

Jeff Lima bundled over for the first try of the match for Wigan, although replays showed he had lost control of the ball. With still less than six minutes gone, Tomkins made one of his electrifying breaks and Liam Farrell positioned himself perfectly in support.

It was only Tomkins, lashing out at Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who allowed Leeds into the match, Ryan Hall scoring from Danny McGuire's pass.

A prolonged spell of pressure applied by the visitors then ended in the inevitable try when Brett Finch's short ball put Sean O'Loughlin in. Almost instantly, George Carmont touched down before Thomas Leuluai darted through for a fifth Wigan score.

Josh Charnley's try continued Wigan's brilliance after the break. Fast hands along the back-line then released Anthony Gelling, before Hall's second for the Rhinos, who were exposed by Tomkins creating Leuluai's second and Finch bringing up the half century.

Leeds Webb; Smith, Ablett, Hardaker, Hall; Sinfield, McGuire; K.Leuluai, Lunt, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Delaney, Clarkson. Substitutes used Burrow, Bailey, Hauraki, Moore.

Wigan S Tomkins; Charnley, Goulding, Carmont, Gelling; Finch, TLeuluai; Dudson, McIlorum, Lima, Farrell, Hughes, O'Loughlin. Substitutes used Lauaki, L.Tomkins, Crosby, Lloyd.

Referee J Child (Dewsbury)