No . He has just thrown it into the crowd . Anyone could have caught it . Selling it on the bay would mean that somebody that really wanted it got it . FGB could have then done whatever he saw fit with the proceeds wether ib be for personal gain or a charity donation .

And I wasn't on about medals .

17. J. Wilkin Esq.

Indeed - another McNamara selection masterstroke.

Two back rowers and a utility back on the bench.

Does Wilkin have pictures of a General Sherman type nature of McBanana?

I really can't understand mcbanana...first u have a nrl standard second row and then decide 2 play him at loose,u have sinny who should b the loose...
Also this was the game u pick players that could push there way in ie Bailey,ablett,cudjoe but instead picks the usual tried and tested what will he get out of this game apart from a big win if your not going 2 give the squad players a chance

He knows it's the only win he's getting...

Presumably taking it in a three-way with Brian Noble and Tony Smith, given the preceding two coaches tendencies to see something in Wilkin that the majority of fans simply don't.

He's not destructive enough with the ball or in defence to be a second rower. He's not clever enough to operate as a ball-player at 13.

He's exactly the sort of "jack of all trades, master of none" player that SL sides like in these days of a salary capped sport.

I'd guess steady & unspectacular, rather than hot & cold / unproven is the mantra that the England coaches over the years have adopted. I agree with above though, that the France game is the game to try new options. The likes of Bailey, Ablett, Cudjoe should be given an opportunity to show what they offer

Sure we can beat the welsh as well!

Playing a LF at 6 is nothing new either. With Sinfield he already has one player who can comfortably interchange. Ellis can switch back, though I wouldn't want him up against Inglis. Wilkin will be his usual flat track bully against an outclassed French team.

Again a perfect opportunity to see what the "new lads" and some of those without a game for a few weeks could offer is ignored.

As it's the one and only hit-out before the real stuff begins I'd have thought it's entirely logical to go with your intended selection for game one rather than experimenting too much.

Personally I wouldn't have opted for that bench and would be extra worried if it looks similar to that come the serious encounters.

Heighington is a loose forward in the mould of our very own Chris Clarkson.

Agreed. Perfect opportunity to let everyone get to know each other before the real games.