Wigan Warriors 28 Leeds Rhinos 10

They held a slender 16-10 lead until Jake Bibby arced over to make the game safe in the 75th minute.

And electric No.1 French put the crowning glory on the victory, racing onto Jackson Hastings' kick to touch down.

The win nudged them back to the No.1 spot in the ladder, and they will stay there for at least two weeks as next weekend there is Challenge Cup action.

Dom Manfredi extended their 12-4 half-time lead early after the restart but Leeds wouldn't lie down, reeling in the margin to six points .

But Bibby wrapped it up before French struck for his second to secure a sixth win in seven, and an ultimately comfortable win.

Adrian Lam had said in the build-up it may take Wigan a few weeks to find their groove and - until they did - it was important they picked up victories.

And that's exactly what they did in this 'home' match at St Helens.

There was a lot of endeavour and a lot to admire in a patchy display, and the tight scoreline ensured it was gripping until the end.

Wigan's reputation as a tigerish defensive side is well earned, and they underlined those credentials by limiting Leeds to two tries. And in attack, they showed flashes of quality with some inventive attacks, especially for French's two tries.

Both sides were missing a clutch of frontline players - Wigan's absentees including Sean O'Loughlin, Thomas Leuluai, Oliver Gildart and George Burgess - but there was still plenty of quality and youthful exuberance in the line-ups.

Harry Smith started at halfback for Wigan, Joe Greenwood earned a rare opportunity and young forward Joe Shorrocks made an appearance.

The Wigan players paid personal one-word tributes to Rob Burrow on their shirts, which will be auctioned off to raise money for the Leeds legend who is suffering from motor neurone disease.

Bodene Thompson made a debut for the Rhinos, following his switch from Toronto Wolfpack.

An early error by Konrad Hurrell gifted the Warriors a chance, only for the excellent Liam Farrell to have a try ruled out for a double movement.

Willie Isa and Dom Manfredi on the right flank both went close but it wasn't all one way, as the video referee ruled out a Tom Briscoe effort for offside.

Some fast approach work brought their breakthrough, Farrell angling over for his 100th try for his hometown club. Zak Hardaker added the goal.

Leeds responded when prop Matt Prior's sweet pass sent Tom Briscoe over, and refere Robert Hicks awarded the try - only for replays to show the winger had a foot in touch.

But the Warriors extended their lead just before the break, Hastings swinging the ball to the left, Liam Marshall and Bibby hacking it on and the supporting French raced under the sticks to make it 12-4.

They powered further ahead in the 52nd minute, with French, Willie Isa and Hardaker combining for Manfredi to finish in the corner.

Leeds again countered, Liam Sutcliffe threatening a grandstand finish with a 66th minute try. They finished the game with 12 men after halfback Luke Gale was sinbinned for a penalty offence.

Hardaker had a chance to wedge open an eight point gap but was off-target with a penalty attempt. Bibby wrapped up the win with five minutes to go and, before the hooter, French showed his pace and footwork to wrap up the win.

Wigan: French; Manfredi, Hardaker, Bibby, Marshall; Hastings, Smith; Byrne, Powell, Bullock, Isa, Farrell, Havard. Subs: Clark, Greenwood, Joe Shorrocks, Smithies.

Leeds: Handley; T Briscoe, Hurrell, Newman, L Briscoe; McLelland, Gale; Holroyd, Leeming, Prior, Martin, Thompson, Cuthberton. Subs: Sutcliffe, Smith, Oledski, Dwyer

Referee: Robert Hicks