Kallum had a shocker today unfortunately. McIlorum total rubbish, Bateman anonymous and Welsby not the world beater he seems to think he is.

The right edge was dreadful. Welsby had the worst game I've seen him have, I'm not sure I've seen anyone knock on passing to themselves before. Watkins was probably even worse, the bombed try in the first half was especially poor.

McClorum's basic skills are terrible, his distribution is as bad as Dwyer's

Yep it will be a non event as most of the comp has been unfortunately

Not the quality of last night, but in terms of drama you couldn't (as a neutral) ask for more. Have to say I disagree with the criticism of some of the forwards. They fought hard against a top class pack and were on top in the last 15 mins. It's easy to say the likes of Hill and Mcllorum aren't good enough, but it's a lot harder to come up with players who are better. We didn't lose because of them - that is for certain. Sadly it was a former son of Headingley who was by far the poorest performer. He's done well this tournament, but was dreadful this afternoon. A sad end to dissapointing international career. All that said, it's great to watch international RL, and the game as a whole really needs to embrace it.

Not sure agree with all of that. In terms of Hill and Cooper, easy swap for Lees and Mik who are both in the squad and performance wise were significantly better over the whole tournament. Hooker wise there would be mcshane, leeming, Clark or Akers who is in the squad who I would say are all considerably better than mcllorum.

Welsby should have been full back and snyed in the halves of the plan was kick deep and apply pressure.

England had one plan all tournament which was we get over the top of you with quick play the balls and rush defence. Surprise surprise that as soon as they can’t really get the quick play the ball and get over the top they look all over the place. That is completely down to Wane and his tactics and the players he picked.

Samoa didn’t even go a tactical master class they simply slowed down the play the ball, early on the shifted the contact slightly wider and England just didn’t really seem clear on what to do.

Poor squad selection and poor tactical coaching is the reason England aren’t in the final.

Welsby is a flat track bully. I'd have Myler before him every day.


The new Leon Pryce - World Hide and Seek Champion.

Basic errors in the last 5 mins. Whitehead flinging the ball in the floor with 20s to go in drop goal territory, followed by welsby dropping his own pass to himself then a needless forward pass. Even the intercept was unnecessary. We should have carried on ploughing down the middle.

Said before the tournament we'd get done by Samoa, I just thought it would be the first game. When the going got tough we weren't good enough. Walmsley and Lomax would have improved us, but wouldn't have got us even close to Australia. At least I can enjoy the occasion next week, without the depression that would inevitably have resulted from England getting there. Good for the game that Samoa make the final.

Give over. Things didn't go well for him today, but that's the first time in his short but already distinguished career where he's been average in a big game. At 21, he's still a year younger than Harry Newman. As for Myler being better - have you been in the pub this afternoon?

Absolutely spot on post

Spot on LP.
Selection has done for us today.
Yes, many of the players had bad days, but the selection of Mcilorum over any of those you mention has backfired.
Samoa targeted him and he was found wanting in D and his distribution was awful.
And Lees should have played ahead of Cooper.

Unfortunately, despite the early excitement and optimism, the tournament will be viewed as a failure for England.

But agree with Arthur, great drama for a semi final.

I would have picked Lee's over Cooper. I think Mik is a super player but I don't see any outcry outside of biased Leeds fans (I'm one of them) about his non selection. He had his chance against France and didn't do enough. That's sport. Ackers also got his chance against France and his defence really let him down. Just check out the highlights. McShane has had a few chances in an England shirt and achieved very little. He like many others (including some who played) struggle to make the huge jump from SL to top class test match Rugby. Ultimately it's still the same as it been for 40 odd years I've been watching - we just don't have anywhere near enough world class players.

Can’t argue mate. There is hope though because I genuinely think we have some super talent coming through the system who should be ready for the next World Cup or even test series.

Wane has basically gone for loyalty and past reputation over current form and got found out today. Sadly I’m not sure any current Leeds player would have made a difference.

England need to develop a world class player or two in key positions; hooker being one.