Wigan go top as Grace and Saints dismantle Leeds in ruthless rout

Regan Grace scored one of the greatest hat-tricks in Super League history as defending champions St Helens gave Leeds Rhinos' title credentials a brutal examination, leaving Wigan Warriors top.

Leeds led the primitive 2020 table heading into Sunday's play but had been usurped at the summit by the time they took on Saints in the late match thanks to a Wigan win.

The Rhinos failed spectacularly to respond to that result as they were crushed 48-0, failing to score at home for the first time in a Super League fixture.

It was one-way traffic from the outset as James Graham, Alex Walmsley and Tommy Makinson all crossed, before Grace stole the show.

The winger - previously without a try this season - displayed a scintillating turn of speed to race 90 metres upfield, dancing past the final two blue and amber shirts for a remarkable score.

Grace was far from done, too, and dived over in the corner to put the result beyond any doubt, then added the best of the lot, this time dashing 100 metres to complete his treble.

65': TRY!!! - THE BOY HAS DONE IT AGAIN...@ReganGrace5 with his hat-trick and it's another special try, picking the ball up on his own line, breaking through and running the length to score! WOW! Rhinos 0-34 Saints pic.twitter.com/qKALVCOQCv

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) August 9, 2020

There was still time for Theo Fages and Lachlan Coote to add to the scoring as Saints moved level on points with their outclassed opponents, who never threatened to repeat last week's incredible comeback against Huddersfield Giants.

Wigan have top spot but their victory over Wakefield Trinity was nowhere near as straightforward, withstanding a late fightback in a 23-22 success.

Zak Hardaker opened the scoring for Wigan in his 200th Super League appearance, yet Liam Kay's late double set up a nervy finish.

In the first game of the day, Salford Red Devils took apart Hull FC 54-18.