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Live Reporting

Matt Newsum

All times stated are UK

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  1. FT: Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Jamie Peacock

    "I'll cherish these moments, they'll live with me forever," Jamie Peacock also told BBC Sport after the game which keeps alive his hopes of a Wembley outing in his final season with the Rhinos.

    The timeless prop, 37, is bound for a football manager role at Hull KR next season after hanging up his boots.

    He and his Leeds team-mates will have eyes on tomorrow's second semi-final between Warrington and Hull KR, and so can you here on the BBC Sport website.

    You can watch, listen and read the action here from 12:15 BST.

    And with that it is time to say farewell and good night. Until tomorrow...

  2. FT: Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    St Helens full-back Adam Quinlan: "Leeds got off to a flyer. We went into half-time confident and with a bit of momentum - we did well to go in only eight points down.

    "But then they started the second half the same way that they did the first, and they were probably just too good tonight."

  3. FT: Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Leeds prop Jamie Peacock on his second-half try: "It's all still there in the locker!

    "What an effort from the boys. We had to dig really deep and we're at Wembley again. I can't wait."

    Ex-England captain Peacock is to retire at the end of the season.

  4. FT: Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Leeds head coach Brian McDermott tells BBC Sport: "That was a tough game. We had a cracking start and got hold of the game.

    "There were some really shaky and scary moments in the second half - Saints threw everything at us, and it was a real contest. I think the good start got us the game."

  5. FT: Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Leeds celebrate

    These two teams have served up a cracker but it is Challenge Cup holders Leeds who find themselves heading back to Wembley next month on 29 August.

    They just about kept Saints at arms length and can now await the winners of tomorrow's semi-final between Warrington and Hull KR.

    It also sets up an emotional final game in the cup for departing duo of Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock who move onto pastures new next season.

    For Saints, the focus switches back to the Super 8s and a possible Grand Final return in 2015.

  6. FULL-TIME

    Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Leeds are going to Wembley. They've beaten St Helens by 24-14.

  7. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Jordan Turner knocks on deep inside Leeds territory and the Rhinos can eat up the clock.

  8. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Leeds fans are singing about their impending Wembley trip. Can St Helens silence them?

  9. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Leeds have the chance to drill the ball into touch and push away from their own line.

    Then Rob Burrow knocks on but time is against St Helens with the scrum inside the last two minutes.

  10. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    St Helens are desperately trying to keep the ball alive in the tackle count. Travis Burns puts the kick up but Saints give away the penalty and Leeds can clear their lines.

  11. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Leeds turn the ball over as Saints show their desperation.

    10 points the lead with less than four minutes to go.

  12. St Helens 24-14 St Helens

    Pundits

    If you've enjoyed tonight, why not tune into tomorrow's second semi-final between Warrington Wolves and Hull KR.

    We'll also have live television, radio and text coverage on Saturday from 12:15 BST.

  13. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    JJB off the pitch on a stretcher.

  14. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    This is particularly cruel on Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who has had bicep and hamstring lay-offs in recent seasons.

    I've worked with him before and he's a gentleman of the game.

  15. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Jamie Peacock held up, but play is stopped as Jamie Jones-Buchanan is not looking in a good way in back play.

    The medical staff are on. He landed awkwardly in a tackle and looks in a lot of pain.

  16. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    St Helens show they're not giving up on this game with a flying move downfield.

    You have to feel Leeds have this wrapped up now given their experience of closing out the big games, but don't write Saints off.

    Remember Chris Joynt's famous try versus Bradford? Jordan Turner's effort against Warrington earlier this month?

  17. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Kallum Watkins a strong contender for Man of Steel this season? Maybe that's a conversation for another day... there's still a semi-final to be won by one of these teams.

  18. Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Quote Message: Watkins is such a balanced runner. He saw the defenders were coming across late and just glided inside them. from Jonathan Davies Former Great Britain international on BBC Two
    Jonathan DaviesFormer Great Britain international on BBC Two
  19. TRY (Watkins, con Sinfield)

    Leeds 24-14 St Helens

    Kallum Watkins

    Great skill from Kallum Watkins to finish but Leeds were sparkling in their build up. They shifted it right and with numbers on the short side, the England centre skips his way across.

    Kevin Sinfield clips it between the sticks and that's a 10-point lead with about 12 minutes to play.

  20. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Quote Message: The volume's ramped up and the atmosphere's ramped up - tremendous. from John Kear Batley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
    John KearBatley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
  21. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Great chase from Leeds pins Adam Quinlan back inside his in-goal area.

    Saints to drop out.

  22. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Jamie Peacock

    Jamie Peacock's superb try remains the difference. Leeds four points ahead with 14 minutes to play.

  23. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Few players in the wars here.

    Danny McGuire looks a bit sore.

    This game has been so frantic I've barely had to re-reference Jamie Peacock's try. Such beautiful footwork.

  24. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Mose Masoe takes a whack in a tackle with Adam Cuthbertson. Saints need him, you feel, to keep up this terrific effort.

  25. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Leeds are beginning to fall off a few tackles, that one on Mose Masoe excluded!

    St Helens trying to get quick play the balls and James Roby sends a fine kick into the Leeds 10 to turn them round.

  26. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Mose Masoe knocks on as St Helens pour forward. A big tackling effort from Leeds.

    A scrum means both teams can fill the lungs again. Not for long though, as Kallum Watkins leads the Rhinos' breakout.

  27. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    It's St Helens who have the roll on now and their chase was impressive from that kick on the last.

    Joel Moon gathered the loose ball as St Helens pressed to bring Leeds out of trouble.

  28. Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Quote Message: That's opened the game up completely... It's a great cup tie. from John Kear Batley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
    John KearBatley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
  29. TRY (Percival)

    Leeds 18-14 St Helens

    Mark Percival

    That Rob Burrow error is punished as Saints find their shape, and Andre Savelio is again involved to tee up Mark Percival for his second.

    They worked the blindside beautifully with smart hands and Percival touched down. Luke Walsh misses the kick and it's a four-point ball-game.

    Game on.

  30. Leeds 18-10 St Helens

    Rob Burrow looks rueful as he knocks-on and Saints get a scrum inside the Leeds half.

  31. TRY (Savelio, Walsh con)

    Leeds 18-10 St Helens

    Having bust his way into Leeds' last 10 metres, Andre Savelio goes one better a couple of tackles later when he brushes the ball onto the goal line for a try.

    Ben Thaler went to the video referee, who was satisfied that momentum took the player over rather than a double movement.

    Luke Walsh added the extras but the joy is slightly soured by the news that Atelea Vea is off for the rest of the game with knee ligament injury.

  32. Leeds 18-4 St Helens

    Josh Jones puts a kick through for Saints and Tom Briscoe has to kick it dead. Goal line drop out by Leeds.

  33. Leeds 18-4 St Helens

    St Helens get a penalty 20 metres away from the Leeds sticks. They tap it.

  34. Leeds 18-4 St Helens

    Wow. St Helens stretch the play but are unable to find the final pass and Zak Hardaker tries to counter but his pass to Danny McGuire knocks on.

    Open football from both sides.

  35. Leeds 18-4 St Helens

    Quote Message: Oh my word! Where did that come from?! Jamie Peacock doesn't score tries like that, does he?! from Dave Woods BBC Two commentator
    Dave WoodsBBC Two commentator

    Jonathan Davies says the sidestep was "Jason Robinson-esque". Not too sure about that, but that was an unbelievable try for a 37-year-old prop to score.

  36. TRY (Peacock, Sinfield con)

    Leeds 18-4 St Helens

    Dazzling footwork by Jamie Peacock takes him through the St Helens defence and across the stripe.

    Kallum Watkins showed similar twinkletoes before Peacock, in his final season with Leeds, danced through the cover.

    Kevin Sinfield adds the extras. Normal service resumed for the Rhinos.

  37. Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Zak Hardaker

    St Helens finished their last set in their own half, while Leeds finished theirs deep in Saints territory.

    That could be the deciding factor here.

  38. Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    St Helens get through that first set without drama but immediately find themselves on the defensive after a Joel Moon break.

    Leeds take it up to the line but run out of tackles a metre away from the Saints line.

    Good set for the Rhinos.

  39. Kick-off

    Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    We are back under way and St Helens have the ball.

  40. Vote closed

    Thanks for taking part in our rugby league vote this evening. Voting has now closed.

  41. HT: Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Great to see that Ryan Hall on-field microphone footage at half-time, brilliant insight.

    We'll have a longer video package of it on the BBC Sport website next week.

    Just in case you missed them, Jamie Peacock and Ashton Sims have also worn the mic in the Challenge Cup this season.

  42. HT: Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Leeds winger Ryan Hall has been wearing the in-game microphone this evening. It always makes for interesting listening.

    Coverage of tonight's match continues on BBC Two, Radio 5 live and local radio. And right here, of course!

  43. HT: Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    A calm-looking bunch of Leeds players in that dressing room at half-time. No whooping or hollering despite the half-time scoreline.

    Head coach Brian McDermott is not a man who would allow that kind of thing from his players.

  44. Vote

    Should the Challenge Cup return to its traditional May slot?

    A final reminder about our vote, which you can find on the right-hand side of the page (desktop) or via the tab at the top (mobile and tablet).

    Voting closes in five minutes and we'll publish the results shortly afterwards. Click here to read our voting terms and conditions.

  45. HT: Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Keiron Cunningham and Sean Long delivering the half-time message to St Helens.

    It was a sapping first 30 minutes for them, but once Mose Masoe came on they seemed to have a bit more go forward.

    Crucial try by Mark Percival, can they continue that momentum after the break?

  46. HT: Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Quote Message: Keiron Cunningham (St Helens head coach) will be saying it's only 12-4, and given the onslaught from Leeds at the start, it's not a bad return. from Paul Wellens Former St Helens captain on BBC Two
    Paul WellensFormer St Helens captain on BBC Two
  47. HT: Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Kevin Sinfield

    Some thoughts from the two sets of players as they leave the field....

    St Helens hooker James Roby: "It was tough. Leeds got away to that start but he did well to hang in it and got that try at the end. It could be a turning point in the game so hopefully we can build on that in the second half."

    Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield: "We knew it would be tough and we got off to a good start, but we dropped off a bit in the last 15-20 minutes. We need to tighten that back up in the second half."

  48. Half-time

    Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Zak Hardaker

    Phew. Get yourself a cup of tea, glass of pop etc. You've earned it.

    What a first-half. Leeds started at 100 mph but Saints showed character to creep back into it before the end of the 40 minutes.

    Some of the football played by the Rhinos in that first half was magnificent but they still only have tries from Zak Hardaker and Joel Moon to show for it.

    Saints were unable to convert a few good chances but struck at a crucial time through Mark Percival.

    This is not over by a long shot.

  49. Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Quote Message: Any kid watching - when you run the ball with two hands, you keep the defenders guessing. Adam Quinlan was brilliant, he kept the defenders away from him and sent Mark Percival over. St Helens have been on the ropes, but back they come. They'll go into half-time with momentum on their side. from Jonathan Davies Former Great Britain international on BBC Two
    Jonathan DaviesFormer Great Britain international on BBC Two
  50. TRY (Percival)

    Leeds 12-4 St Helens

    Well, well, well. Saints on the board through Mark Percival just before the break, made by Alex Walmsley and Adam Quinlan.

    Great break by Walmsley to bust the line and when he pushed the ball onto Quinlan, the Aussie showed coolness, footwork and timing to tease the Leeds defence before feeding Percival to go in at the corner.

    Luke Walsh misses the kick but Saints reduce the arrears.

  51. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Zak Hardaker takes the ball on the last under pressure but is tackled and Leeds are going to have to work the ball out from under their posts.

  52. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Rob Burrow, like Danny Houghton at Hull, is a capable kicker from acting half-back and his perfectly weighted effort rolls into touch to peg St Helens back in their own half.

    Decent break from Atelea Vea from the scrum though.

  53. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Joe Greenwood shows his class and vision with a great line but can't take the ball in - St Helens miss out again. Leeds survive and come away with the ball.

  54. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    St Helens get a scrum inside the Leeds half after Kevin Sinfield knocks on at the play-the-ball. Good opportunity here...

  55. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Hard to disagree with the Hull FC half-back there. Leeds in control.

  56. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Clever kick from Kevin Sinfield buys Leeds some time and a few lungfuls of air. Not for long though, as Saints bring the ball away from the scrum.

  57. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Zak Hardaker

    Cor, it's been frantic so far. Both teams are gasping.

  58. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Adam Cuthbertson's loose offload gives Saints position and Kevin Sinfield is offside to give Saints a repeat set.

    Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook so close to crossing for Saints but knocked-on after he was melted by a Kylie Leuluai tackle. Huge shoulder in the gut!

  59. Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Quote Message: Once Leeds hit the fresh air, they pour through in numbers. They've got St Helens scrambling all over the place. Joel Moon finishes but it was Rob Burrow's incisive running that caused the initial problem. from John Kear Batley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
    John KearBatley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
  60. TRY (Moon)

    Leeds 12-0 St Helens

    Joel Moon scores a try

    Joel Moon finishes off a full-length move set up by Rob Burrow to cross for Leeds' second.

    St Helens were a Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook knock-on away from getting on the board themselves, but Leeds struck back on the counter through Burrow. He moved it onto Kallum Watkins and, with a two on one on the left, Moon streaked through.

    Kevin Sinfield missed the kick, but Leeds are well in control.

  61. Leeds 8-0 St Helens

    Saints pour the ball down Ryan Hall's channel with a kick from Travis Burns but he claims it well.

    Two decent sets from St Helens but they remain down on the scoreboard.

    Joel Moon is offside from a Kevin Sinfield kick and Saints get a penalty, which will be thumped into touch for field position.

  62. Leeds 8-0 St Helens

    Quote Message: The pace has definitely dropped - it had to drop, because the start was sensational. from Jonathan Davies Former Great Britain international on BBC Two
    Jonathan DaviesFormer Great Britain international on BBC Two
  63. Leeds 8-0 St Helens

    Saints get to the Rhinos' 10-metre line for the first time in the game but turn over on the last. It's better up front though - Mose Masoe using his bulk well.

  64. Leeds 8-0 St Helens

    St Helens' pack is usually so dominant and yet they've had no chance to unleash them.

    Leeds are shifting the ball wide as quickly as possible and taking advantage of broken field.

    Tom Briscoe's kick ahead is almost tracked by Kallum Watkins but he just couldn't get there before it went dead. Saints get the ball.

  65. Leeds 8-0 St Helens

    Zak Hardaker

    Well, what a start for Leeds. Zak Hardaker's early try and two successful kicks from Kevin Sinfield have put the Rhinos in control against Saints in this first half.

  66. Leeds 8-0 St Helens

    Leeds's 'off the cuff' football is causing St Helens so many problems. Ryan Hall climbed highest to a kick but spilled it before landing to let Saints off.

    Luke Walsh's kick failed to find touch and Leeds have possession back.

  67. PENALTY (Sinfield)

    Leeds 8-0 St Helens

    Easily slotted over by Sinfield, and Leeds' lead is extended.

  68. Leeds 6-0 St Helens

    Penalty to Leeds, and Kevin Sinfield is going for the points from the tee...

  69. Leeds 6-0 St Helens

    Kevin Sinfield's kicking game has been magnificent so far. The Leeds pack are giving him a platform and he's pinning Saints back with every bomb or chip.

    St Helens need to find some possession and field position from somewhere.

  70. Vote

    Should the Challenge Cup return to its traditional May slot?

    A reminder about our vote, which you can find on the right-hand side of the page (desktop) or via the tab at the top (mobile and tablet).

    We're asking whether the Challenge Cup final should continue to be played in August - a slot it has held since 2005 - or return to its traditional slot in May.

    Voting closes at 21:00 BST. Click here to read our voting terms and conditions.

  71. Leeds 6-0 St Helens

    Saints avoid another heart in mouth moment when a kick to the in-goal was deemed to have been knocked-on by Zak Hardaker as he went for a try.

    79% possession I'm sure I just saw there for Leeds too!

  72. Leeds 6-0 St Helens

    Leeds are on fire at the moment. They're rolling Saints down field on every set.

    Adam Quinlan mopped up a little kick in goal to ease St Helens nerves. It's been one way traffic so far.

  73. Leeds 6-0 St Helens

    Leeds almost put Jamie Peacock over on the set after the restart, but referee Ben Thaler gives a knock on against Tom Briscoe as Kevin Sinfield's kick is tapped down.

    Joe Greenwood down injured - a concern for St Helens. A knock on by Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook give Leeds another set of six...

  74. Post update

    Leeds 6-0 St Helens

    Quote Message: What a try - a true team try. Movement, skill and evasiveness. from John Kear Batley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
    John KearBatley Bulldogs & Wales coach on BBC Two
  75. TRY (Hardaker, Sinfield con)

    Leeds 6-0 St Helens

    Zak Hardaker

    Beautifully worked try by Leeds, finished by Zak Hardaker.

    Rhinos kept the ball alive with a string of offloads and Hardaker put on the gas to pick a gap in the Saints line to score.

    First blood to Leeds.

  76. Leeds 0-0 St Helens

    Leeds get first touch of the ball from the kick-off and go through their set without incident.

    Early attempt to push the ball wide but nothing too risky.

  77. Kick-off

    Leeds 0-0 St Helens

    We're under way!

  78. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Team news reminder

    Leeds: Hardaker; Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hall; Sinfield, McGuire; Cuthbertson, Aiton, Peacock, Ablett, Delaney, Jones-Buchanan.

    Interchanges: Keinhorst, Garbutt, Burrow, Leuluai.

    St Helens: Quinlan; Dawson, Percival, Turner, Swift; Burns, Walsh; Amor, Roby, Walmsley, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Greenwood, Flanagan.

    Interchanges: Jones, Masoe, Vea, Savelio.

    Referee: Ben Thaler (RFL).

  79. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds v St Helens

    Where will this be won then?

    The pundits reckon around the ruck, with two of the smartest dummy-halves about in Paul Aiton and James Roby.

    You imagine the halves will be key too.

    Kevin Sinfield and Danny McGuire are old pals, as are Travis Burns and Luke Walsh.

    Teams are out... we're almost there!

  80. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Jamie Peacock on the Saints threat

    "The Saints forwards are the biggest in the league - Mose Masoe, Alex Walmsley, Kyle Amor are all great carriers of the ball," Peacock told BBC Sport.

    "Then out wide they've got the young gun, the star so far, Joe Greenwood.

    "The most dangerous Saints player is James Roby, who combines world-class work ethic and world-class quality."

    Watch more of Jamie Peacock's thoughts on Saints by clicking here.

  81. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Jon Wilkin on the Rhinos threat

    Kallum Watkins, Ash Handley and Stevie Ward

    "Leeds' forward pack is immense, led by Jamie Peacock, but the player who has impressed me this year is Paul Aiton at hooker who has run out of dummy half more than anyone in Super League," Wilkin told BBC Sport.

    "The player I fear most in the Leeds side is Kallum Watkins, he can do things all year than not many others in the competition can do, he's one of the most exciting backs in world rugby.

    "Ryan Hall is essentially another forward playing on the wing, he's big and strong like a front-rower and an essential part of getting the Leeds teams rolling down the field."

  82. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds v St Helens

    How are the nerves then?

    Two relaxed looking changing rooms suggest these two big-game teams have the attitude and character to cope.

  83. Challenge Cup semi-finals

    Leeds v St Helens, Warrington v Hull KR

    Pundits

    We're closing in on kick-off now...

    Coverage of Leeds v St Helens is under way on BBC Two and BBC local radio, while Radio 5 live will also be broadcasting live from tonight's Challenge Cup semi-final shortly.

    To select your commentary option of choice, click on the Live Coverage tab at the top of the page.

    We'll also have live television, radio and text coverage of the second semi-final between Warrington Wolves and Hull KR on Saturday from 12:15 BST.

  84. The coaches' views

    Leeds v St Helens

    Both coaches have been speaking to BBC Sport before kick-off...

    Leeds head coach Brian McDermott: "It's a big game against a very good team. Saints have got an incredible history in the Challenge Cup and we know we're up against it tonight."

    St Helens head coach Keiron Cunningham: "We've let ourselves down in a few areas in the last two games (against Leeds), playing against a very capable, experienced and professional side. We want to be in this game for long periods of time."

  85. Challenge Cup semi-final

    St Helens: The route to the semis

    Mark Percival and Jordan Turner celebrate their tries in the win against Widnes.

    Saints, without a Wembley appearance since 2008, have been desperate to back up last season's Super League Grand Final win with success in the Challenge Cup.

    They began their 2015 effort with a home tie against League One side York City Knights, who were beaten 46-6 as Tommy Makinson helped himself to four tries and Adam Swift on the other flank grabbed three.

    The quarter-final with Widnes was a tougher proposition and saw Saints let slip an 18-12 lead to trail 20-18, but Kyle Amor, Jordan Turner and Mark Percival all crossed to seal the 36-20 victory and book a semi-final spot.

  86. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds: The route to the semis

    Kevin Sinfield

    Leeds have been ruthless in their defence of the Challenge Cup since ending their six-final hoodoo with victory against Castleford at Wembley last August.

    Huddersfield were comfortably beaten 48-16 at Headingley in round six, just a fortnight after a thrilling 24-24 draw between the two sides at the John Smith's Stadium.

    The quarter-final took Leeds to Hull, where under a heavy downpour Brian McDermott's side raced into a 24-0 lead before Jordan Abdull's converted score ensured the Airlie Birds avoided a 'nilling'.

  87. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds v St Helens

    Funny to think we're only 80 minutes (plus injury or possibly extra time) away from finding out the first team in this year's final...

    Let's find out how these two ended up here.

  88. The pundit's view

    Leeds v St Helens

    Quote Message: It will be really tight. A drop-goal either way might settle this. They're two fabulous teams. It might be the bounce of the ball, it might be a referee's decision or a bit of ill-discipline that separates these two teams tonight. from Brian Noble Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two
    Brian NobleFormer Great Britain coach on BBC Two
  89. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Record-breaking Rhinos

    Jamie Peacock and James Graham

    Tonight's game will be the 46th time - a record - Leeds Rhinos have appeared in a Challenge Cup semi-final and victory would be their 25th.

    It is also the ninth time the pair have battled it out for a place in the final, with Leeds and Saints winning four apiece of the previous eight.

    Leeds won the last semi-final meeting between these two clubs 32-28 at Huddersfield in 2010, with a slightly less-grey haired Jamie Peacock playing a starring role.

    Saints' last Wembley appearance in 2008 came on the back of a 26-16 last-four success against the Rhinos.

  90. Challenge Cup semi-final

    What is at stake?

    Wembley Stadium on Challenge Cup final day

    The carrot for both these teams is simple. Wembley.

    Since the first final at the national stadium between Wigan and Dewsbury in 1929, the Challenge Cup final has become one of the key dates in the calendar for the iconic venue.

    Leeds drew the curtain on the old Twin Towers with victory in the 1999 Challenge Cup final against London Broncos, while Saints played Catalans Dragons in the first of the finals at the renovated Wembley in August 2007.

  91. The magic of the Cup?

    Leeds v St Helens

    Quote Message: It's been a really vibrant competition. The performances of teams like Leigh Centurions has done that, taking the scalps of two Super League teams. Not just that - the manner of how they did that, playing an attractive brand of rugby. from Paul Wellens Former St Helens captain on BBC Two
    Paul WellensFormer St Helens captain on BBC Two
  92. Challenge Cup semi-finals

    One change for Leeds, two for Saints

    Just the one change for Leeds then, centre Joel Moon replacing versatile forward Brad Singleton from the side that beat Catalans in round 23 of Super League.

    Saints have restored talismanic hooker James Roby to the side after he was rested for the win against Hull KR with Lewis Charnock missing out.

    Every Saint's favourite Cockney forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook also returns with Luke Thompson making way.

  93. BreakingTeam news

    Leeds v St Helens teams

    Leeds: Hardaker; Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hall; Sinfield, McGuire; Cuthbertson, Aiton, Peacock, Ablett, Delaney, Jones-Buchanan.

    Interchanges: Keinhorst, Garbutt, Burrow, Leuluai.

    St Helens: Quinlan; Dawson, Percival, Turner, Swift; Burns, Walsh; Amor, Roby, Walmsley, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Greenwood, Flanagan.

    Interchanges: Jones, Masoe, Vea, Savelio.

    Referee: Ben Thaler (RFL).

  94. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds v St Helens

    Time for some team news?

    My pleasure...

  95. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds v St Helens

    There's definitely a bit of novelty value in holding this game on a Friday night under the floodlights at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

    Quite whether the fans appreciate the lottery of the M62 on an evening is one thing, but the magnitude of the occasion and prestige and quality of the teams should ensure a decent crowd.

    As for the game itself well it's beautifully poised.

    Last year's Super League winners against the Challenge Cup holders.

    This year's league leaders against the team in second.

    Top try scorers against the third best attack and third best defence.

    The ingredients are mouth-watering.

  96. Vote

    Should the Challenge Cup return to its traditional May slot?

    Leeds v Castleford

    The Challenge Cup final was switched from late spring to August back in 2005 and the fixture has remained in that summer slot every year since.

    Attendance figures would suggest it doesn't really matter when the final is played - you have to go back to 2006 to find a final that failed to attract a crowd above 75,000.

    But St Helens captain Jon Wilkin argues that the competition is being "diluted" because the final is played so close to the climax of the Super League season.

    Should the Challenge Cup final move back to its traditional May slot?

    Our vote, which you can find on the right-hand side of the page (desktop) or via the tab at the top (mobile and tablet), will close at 21:00 BST.

    Click here to read our voting terms and conditions.

  97. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds v St Helens

    Welcome to BBC Sport's live text coverage of the Challenge Cup semi-final between Leeds and St Helens at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

    We'll do our best to paint the picture of what promises to be an absorbing encounter.

    Don't forget you can watch or listen by selecting the Live Coverage tab, and follow the action with us too.

    Got it? Good stuff.

  98. Challenge Cup semi-final

    Leeds v St Helens

    Tom Briscoe tackled by Mose Masoe and Sia Solioa

    Forget EastEnders, if you want edge-of-your-seat drama on a Friday night then there's only one place to be for the next two-and-a-half hours... and that's here.

    The two most successful sides of rugby league's summer era, Leeds and St Helens, do battle for a place in August's Challenge Cup final.

    There will be hits, there will be tries and the pace will be furious.

    Think you can handle it? Stick about to find out.