I like the fixture but hate the venue.

One road in and one road out. Sheesh.

I agree, i was also going to make that point but thought it was too obvious.

Its not a 'whinge', its just the type of opposition I would have liked to have seen us play to give us a good physical workout before the WC begins.

Let's hope the filthy Eyeties don't do the Ockers a favour and start knocking heads off when it gets past the 50 mark.

Its a good bit of promotion a week ahead of the World Cup.

As for the game itself, I think a team of this level is perfect for England. No, I can't see us playing at 100% intensity with a full strength side, but isn't that the idea of warm up games? To use the time to implement tactics, strategies and players which have been untried in a real-game scenarios thus far?

What's the point in playing a full intensity match against NZ or Australia, one week before the competitive matches kick in? The players would be knackered before the tournament even kicks off.

You missed

"Mcbanana"

"Why isn’t player A from my team playing"

"They aren’t real Italians, it’s a joke/farce/nonsense"

And the perennial favourite,

"I blame Nigel Wood."

England fans expecting a 50 point victory against Italy

I saw a thread where someone seriously suggested that England should be playing against a Super League team instead

Yep, I've got one.

How about Probables (Elite Squad) versus Impossibles (Rubbing rag, second raters)

In hindsight maybe better just sticking with the Italians, less of a threat, we don’t want to dent their ambition prior to the W.C.

I don't see the problem, Italy are my favourites to make the quarters out of their group. Reckon they could give us a scare if the players are half as complacent as the fans.

Sarà un grande gioco. Stop lamenti RL Fan

Should of been in Italy.

Really what was the point in the exiles game. A complete waste of time!!!

Italy should cope with Wales and Scotland, but may come unstuck against Tonga.

Looking at Tonga (and Samoa and Fiji) the squad is rammed with NRL talent......this tournament could see the last 8 being Pacifica with the exception of England and Wales.

For me the Quarters will be
NZ V Tonga
Au v Wales
Eng v Samoa
PNG V Fiji

Semis

NZ V England
Au v Fiji

Final

England v Australia.

First, it would be "Should HAVE been".

Second, that would only apply if the game had already taken place. It hasn't.

"Should be in Italy" would do the trick.