what was he thinkng!

What seems frustrating, whether its rugby or football, is how the England team seems to be going backwards in terms of progress, in comparison to the "developing nations".

Thankfully, it's not everyday they are made to look clueless in defence by a Wakefield Trinity Wildcats player.

At least there's lots of room for improvement next week against a team with a massively inferior front row.

Australia look worse than England so far. NZ are not exactly flying either. NZ should be 20points up by now.

Tomkins in the centres is one of the most ridiculous suggestions. It should be the other way round, Hardaker for Shenton, Tomkins 1 with the same half backs for "continuity". I would be surprised if McNamara changed the halves after all the time he bleated on about continuity with Sinfield and Chase.

Tomkins had a perfectly decent game and needs to play in the position several coaches have decided is his best (full back) not new positions of which he has much less experience, just because armchair pundits think 'he looks like a ( insert latest position here )'.

Smith had a perfectly decent game. Fluffed a drop kick, it happens.

Nothing significant to criticise there for their first serious run out. Lots of errors, but that's what they were, errors. Not the result of stupid tactics, nor people out of position.

But, as long as there's a Wigan player in the side, Leeds fans will moan about them. If you really want to unbalance the side by making a place for someone, see if Sinfield will come back.

NZ are doing far too much lateral stuff. If they straighten up and play direct they should be able to make inroads against this Aussie pack.

Widdop was MOM for me played a steady game at 6, not sure of our back row of Tomkins and Westerman. Clark OK in attack not so in defence, Roby still our No 1 hooker for me.
Can,t read a lot into this game, started off cold might play better as things go on.
Samoa looked as though they have improved in attack maybe the influence of Long.
Next game up we need to respect the ball a bit more and move up a bit quicker in defence.

I was v. disappointed in our performance at first, but watching Australia/NZ now, I've brightened up a bit.

There isn't a lot between these three sides in this year's comp, but we really need to sharpen up, especially with ball retention and ruck defence. That will come with game time but we haven't got that.

Smith and Widdop are a great 6/7 combo for me, their respective games/styles complement each other perfectly, and I thought both played well. Clark had the odd magic moment, S. Tomkins looked bright, and as ever, the Burgess brothers/Graham/Hill made good yards.

Greg Inglis drops a bomb = oh well it happens.
Sam Tomkins drops a bomb = get him in the centres.

Watkins is mystery, has everything in his locker to be the best centre in world rugby. Just isn't putting it together