Quote: Barry_McKenzie "Does it really matter?
Even a side as weak as England will see off the French.
This fixture is a total waste of time'"
To give this question (serious or not) a serious answer.
It is quite comparable to the Trans-Tasman test. It is a good way of getting players ready for the international season before October. Now you can argue that France do not have the team to make this game competitive but until recently New Zealand usually shipped 50 points to Australia in the Trans-Tasman.
More frequent games between Australia and NZ have made both nations stronger much to the disadvantage of the English. By giving France (and Wales) regular international matches we are hoping that they will become more competitive and give us the much needed hit out we need before the 4 nations/World Cup.
So at the moment the game has little value but hopefully it will grow into a very useful development tool. 30 Years ago you could have said that NSW vs Queensland games were pretty pointless. Thankfully they persisted with the idea and let the event grow it reputation.