Quote: GIANT DAZ "Hate to say this but i agree with the troll here....its not International rugby, its a game made up by the RFL, that, lets be honest no one really seems that bothered about. If we want to play 'International' games play other international teams.
Or if we have to have this type of game have it v a GB XIII to give the other home nation players a chance to get some pre-WC practice in.'"
I agree, the Exiles concept may have had some mileage in it a few years ago when the quality of the overseas players was higher. Playing against the likes of Buderus, Trent Barrett, Jamie Lyon etc would have been exciting, but when the Exiles are the likes of Heath L'Estrange, whilst still good players, they don't have anywhere near the same draw.
I'd rather we attempt to develop the likes of France & Wales with a mid-season 5 Nations. I know England would win, and easily in many cases, but give the French a consistent challenge, year after year, then they'd undoubtably improve to the point where they could give England a game, especially in France.