Must be the onset of dementia

Given how both teams attacked and handled the ball I worry for all the Home nations if we have a wet autumn

Agreed.

The touring GB team didn't have a problem handling a wet ball back in 1992 beating Australia 33-10 in Melbourne when it was hosing down. That was pre-SL era however.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epT4-ZaHBlwLovely stuff back then![/url

It's a good job GB never lost to the Aussies in the pre-SL era, otherwise you'd be looking like a right numpty!

Is there anything more numpty than modern full-time professional SL players who are incapable of performing the most basic of skills like passing and catching a ball just because it happens to be raining?

DEFINITELY worst I've seen, watched every one since 1975.
Hull were pitiful with 'ball not in hands' !!!!!!

The result of the series was exactly the same as every other test series since 1972 - pre or post SL - a defeat!! you omitted to mention that so I thought I stimulate that selective memory of yours.

What were the crowds? - how did they compare to RU internationals?

Well, I am a Wigan fan because that's where I was born, and where I was taken to watch games by my Grandad. I started in 1966 and didn't see Wigan win a major trophy until 1985. It's old fashioned but its "ancient and loyal".
Being a fan fan of Chelsea and Leeds has an aroma of "glory hunter" about it. I will be happy to be put right if I am wrong about that.

Hull should have been happy at only been 6-0 down at half time. Even at 8-0 and 10-0 they were only a score away from being right back in it.

Penalties and Wigan mistakes gave Hull loads of opportunities but unfortunately they had smeared butter all over their hands at half time.

One to forget.

I think you have a point.

Todays players are clearly more athletic and capable of lifting/pushing a lot of weight in the gym, but summer rugby has dampened down the basic skills of the modern R.L players.

They play on better surfaces, with better equipment (is the Rhino ball any worse than the old Mitre multiplex balls they used in the 80's)?, better fitness regimes and dietary advice.

Yesterday the weather meant defence would come to the fore and the players had to think more...as in warmer, drier conditions the gaps they were expected to find in a tired defensive line weren't there.

Skill levels are coached out of them in favour of strength nowadays in my opinion.

A very good point. Lets hope so for the sports sake.