One of my favourite elements of the international game is the passion generated by a decent rendition of the two anthems, and without a singer that was lost tonight. Without being totally au fait with the words, I enjoy singing along with both anthems whenever the internationals come round, but felt self-conscious doing it tonight amongst a group of neutrals who clearly didn't know the lyrics either.

An excellent gate tonight in Warrington but not quite the atmosphere I thought that size of crowd could have generated - I think it was largely because there just simply weren't any partizan fans there to lead any concerted chanting and no-one was really passionately supporting either side until the partial Kiwi comeback. Maybe having the opera singer leading the anthems as something more rousing might just have kick started things a little better.

Agreed.

If all six verses of God Save The Queen aren't presented clearly and concisely at the LSV, heartily belted out by a full-blooded English-born opera singer backed by an honest-to-God northern brass band, I'm starting a protest camp in Leigh Miners car park.

I predict a disgrace.

wouldnt bother me if there was no national anthems played!!

Don't forget to bring your tent with you to the game today then

Least they've got someone to sing the anthems today.

As a distraction tactic, when we play the aussies I'd like us to hire Rolf with wobbleboard to sing their anthem. Or, failing that, his stylophone.

And I didn't say that you did. I'm just suggesting that we are splitting hairs here.

Well I'm sorry for not being an expert in national anthems. I'm sure you don't know how many times Cook Island sing their national anthem so don't expect me to know this!

If the Welsh national anthem isn't played twice today I'll start a riot later.

That could be the funniest thing I've ever read on here!

Post of the week sir!