Reigning engage Super League champions Leeds were booed off at half-time after two tries in four minutes put Harlequins in control at Headingley Carnegie.

The Rhinos began sloppily and were punished in the 10th minute when Chad Randall's kick was collected by Luke Dorn and his offload ushered centre David Howell over the line.

The second try arrived shortly after when Randall was given the time and space to charge through a gaping hole in the Leeds rearguard and touch down under the posts.

Remarkably, a third score almost arrived in the 18th minute when only desperate last-ditch defending denied Quins loose forward Jason Golden.

For Leeds the opening 40 minutes was an unwelcome return to the form which recently saw them lose three matches in succession.

A thoroughly convincing 34-6 victory at Huddersfield last weekend ended that dismal run and looked to have rid Leeds of their failings.

No-one told Harlequins, however, and the men from the capital fully deserved their interval advantage.

The Rhinos' 1999 Challenge Cup-winning squad were paraded on the pitch shortly before kick-off but the atmosphere quickly turned flat when first Howell and then Randall touched down.

The scores poured confidence into Brian McDermott's men and Leeds struggled to exert their authority on proceedings.

Danny McGuire, making his 200th appearance for Leeds, and Rob Burrow sought to weave their magic but not until the 29th minute did the hosts come close to breaching the Harlequins line.

A delightful crossfield kick from replacement hooker Danny Buderus sailed into the left corner but a vital hand from a Quins defender sent the ball into touch.

Moments later Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield tried to wreak havoc deep in Harlequins territory but his wayward offload failed to find a team-mate and McGuire knocked on in the 34th minute just yards from the line.

Harlequins were expected to be hit by a barrage of pressure after the restart but it was Leeds who were forced to defend their line doggedly for long periods.

The Rhinos struggled to escape their own half and created precious little going forward.

A lofted kick from Sinfield in the 57th minute in a rare Leeds attack threatened danger but it was overcooked and the ball sailed harmlessly into touch.