St Helens withstood a strong second-half fightback from Leeds Rhinos to set up a Challenge Cup final reprise against old foes Wigan Warriors.

Saints looked to be cruising into the Wembley showpiece on May 30. They were 24-0 up after 50 minutes as Erin McDonald, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin and Emily Rudge all scored tries, with Gaskin impeccable on the conversions.

Leeds finally found their feet after a poor first half as Connie Boyd, Ruby Enright and Olivia Whitehead hit back with tries to give Lois Forsell’s side hope.

The comeback was simply not soon enough, however, and McDonald’s second try removed any lingering doubt that Saints would face Wigan in a repeat of last year’s one-sided final, which the Warriors won 42-6.

Wigan were in ruthless mood as they thrashed York Valkyrie on Saturday, but Saints quickly stamped their own personality on the second semi-final, held at the EcoPower Stadium in Doncaster.

McDonald was too powerful for a Leeds defence which lacked belief and conviction in the first 40 minutes, and the try inflicted the first points the Rhinos have conceded in the competition this season.

Saints defence, by contrast, was exceptional, their best moment being Rachael Woosey’s superb try-saving tackle on Whitehead, who also lost control of the ball when presented with another chance a few minutes later.

Gaskin’s delicate kick sent Harris through for another Saints try, and the half-time pep talk for the rattled Rhinos fell flat as Gaskin burst through three tackles and added the conversion for a personal tally of 14 points.

Leeds finally found their rhythm, their big pack making good yards, and dominated the last half-hour as Boyd forced her way over, Enright finished off the best passing move of the match, and more quick hands left Whitehead free to score wide out.

Mel Howard only kicked one of her three conversion attempts to ensure that the comeback was too little, too late, and McDonald powered over to complete the score two minutes from time.