Just putting assorted personalities to one side for a moment in my opinion the key lesson from the WC was that it shows how important the international arena is for the profile of the game, and it's ability to attract sponsorship. So whoever ends up at the helm we need to sort out a proper international program with more games.

The competition was always going to be a three horse race and the results show we lost to the other two contenders, though but for a collective 80 sec brain fart from experienced players we should really be in the final. So I agree that our performance against both Australia and NZ showed we have become competitive but in some ways I would be more concerned by the performances against Italy, Ireland and Fiji - both Oz and NZ kept their foot on the gas against the 2nd tier opponents for the full 80 minutes - and that's the level of concentration the England team needs to have if we are finally to close the gap.

Lets hope then that whoever is the coach gets more support, regular fixtures against the top teams - and perhaps more importantly support from the SL clubs to put aside their narrow interests and support the international game because that is the surest route to wider coverage and sponsorship.

Whoa right there, I don't have a McNamara hobby horse. I didn't start the thread! I didn’t even come in till about page bleedin 7 when I first posted my two penn'orth and that is it. If people then post at me, are you saying I am not allowed to respond? How does that work, then?

As for your general point, everyone on here has their opinions and that's fookin obviously what they are. Surely you aren’t one of these anals who argue every single forum post needs to bear an “in my opinion” caveat?

If you are, then why did you not rebuke the OP in his OP which said

It stated as a fact that McNamara had failed miserably. It didn’t say “in my opinion”. Of course, I KNOW that is ME stating his opinion. But the same logic applies to every other post on a forum so do me a favour and give it a rest.

Bullseye postedCompared with our performance in the last world cup we have improved under McNamara!
'"

A mid season Test series would never get off the ground for numerous reasons, one being logistics, two, opposition from NRL sides having to release their Kiwis and Aussies for rep duties. And the NZ warriors releasing majority of their side. Nice idea, but it will not get off the ground. McNamara proved once again he hasn't got it at top level.

How about a break in both leagues that weekend?

How about the cream of English talent play the cream of overseas talent in SL in a mid-season series?

And I am not bald. FACT.

I could be soon as this debate is nearly makinge pull my hair out. In my opinion

This thread will be locked soon. FACT. In my opinion obviously.

OK MBugs (and all Macsabaters). re-run time. pretend that Macsabater was not the England coach for that last game. Yes, put it clear out of your mind, indeed put in your favourite coach instead and now answer the question: was that a performance to be proud of at the 79th minute, yes or no?

"Wounded"? You couldn't actually think that I give a flying fart about what you might say? I mean, I'm to varying degrees entertained by forum chat, which is why I do it, but ... honestly?

You're wasted on ME (and definitely SM). We need you on the OK Bulls bye bye thread NOW.

You actually think you are winding me up FA?

Let me tell you something. Three weeks ago I lost, very suddenly, my father who was my hero and best mate. I, probs most on this page recently, know the feeling of being either gutted or devastated. I can assure you that that feeling will not go away in my case, for a long time, if indeed ever.

Devastating is NOT losing one game of rugby, despite how some people want to say. (Not you incidentally)

You ain't winding me up at all. If you were I would have stopped posting given my mind at the moment. On the contrary, I am enjoying the debate. It is a nice release.

I understand the final books of the "Song of Ice and Fire" series will feature a new family from Westeros called the Bulls. They don't get involved in the wider saga but all end up killing each other - in my opinionicon_smile.gif