Have to say I thought that when watching the game. His presence was severly missed.

I'm still staggered by Burrows omission from the squad. I know it can't happen this series but has TS' as England manager' ever started with the Sinfield, Burrow and Maguire combination that works so well for Leeds?
My memory of games isn't great, but I can't recall it happening.

At least the team hasn't peaked yet!

FGB was my man of the match

Sounds like a great game to have missed.

International rugby league is a non-starter

Have to disagree with there fella, Australia vs NZ are usually cracking games.

With that attitude amongst fans it is hardly f***ing surprising is it?

You don't have to go that far back in our history to see large crowds watching classics. An Aussie tour used to be the source of huge excitement, no reason why it can't be again.

Look how quickly what appears to be a credible French team have emerged as a result of an expansionist attitude notwithstanding limited resources.

It can work. A good game on the Beeb will be a huge help.

Second half he actually looked nearly as good as all the Stains fans think he is, but Ellis was a clear MOM. His cover defence to make up for our disorganisation near our line was fabulous, and boy can he hit the ball up. Burgess has something to aspire to there (although I still think he's a prop - not a back row).

Burrow is what, 26?. He only broke into the international set-up 2 years ago and made an immediate impact. Surely at his age with his experience he's at his peak? He must have 5 years at the top level left in him. An absolutely bizarre decission.
It's also obvious taht we can't possibly play the game in our half against anyone (even France) because we still have real issues defending anywhere near our line (just like the World Cup). So a good kicking game is essential. Burrow has shown big gaem after big game he's a terrific kicking option. Did Myler kick at all last night?

The attitude starts with the players, I have not seen an England or GB team want to play for each other (let alone their country) since the 1970s.

I won't even mention the rumours about seperate "camps" within the squad or some players simply touring for a big up.

If they can't be bothered then neither can I and neither can lots of other RL supporters by the look of it, season starts next year for me.

It wasn't the greatest game of rL i've been to but I was pleased to see a competitive French side.

I'll keep my powder dry. First game out and things actually got better and started to click in the second half so I hope we'll be much better in the 2nd game because we will need to be.

Thought Myler played very well. Was watching him off the ball quite a bit and he really took on a massive role braking orders and moving his players around the pitch.

Have you changed your opinion that he shouldn't have had a look in for the Internationals yet?

In the first half when we looked nailed on for a try and FGB knocked on with the line wide open in front of him . All he had to do was catch it and walk about 5 paces..
Who was it that stood up then and started singing 'you're just a useless ginger barsteward' ?

To be fair to him he didn't do too bad at all when he came on . IIRC he was directly involved in the first seven tackles after he entered the field .

Not sure about who I would have picked as MOM , but it sure wouldn't have been any of the bar staff or the stewards . bunch of ted retards . Just my opinion .

Watching it was no sound, it seemed like Barry was angry at you whenever he did a peice to camera. I was quite firghtened at times.

No. He shouldn't have been selected. I am a firm believer in selecting on form. Smith hasn't done that.

I have no issue with the lad. I posted after Salford beat us that he gave one of the best scrum half displays I'd seen in some time.

Whether I agree with his selection in the first place I will critique his performances objectively and the aspect of play I spoke about (which your average fekkwitt will not have observed) impressed me.

He was already the incumbant scrum half in England's mid season stroll in Paris and his club non selection appeared out of his control.

The form he was allowed to show up to his non selection appeared good.

Just so long as Smith now sticks with him having come this far, (the same applies for McGuire and Sinfield) although one change I'd like to see made is Roby given the sole hooking responsibility (a move I asked for before the World Cup.) England are clearly going to need three big men on the bench if they are to stand any chance of competing with the Southern hemispere giants. Perhaps with Eastmond to add a bit of the X factor.