On that performance, England have no chance against New Zealand. Repeat, no chance.

England scored 4 tries from its wingers because the French wingers defended badly.

Also the French lost an important asset in centre Vincent Duport, who is very good in attack and defence, and might have changed the balance of tries scored and prevented, although not the ultimate result.

French forward defence, unlike French three quarter defence, was excellent.

I was bored, but we WON. Now the tournament begins (from an England point of view)

Odd then how Roby (and any good hooker, including Cam Smith) also steps from the ruck and towards the line, showing the ball to draw defenders before passing. He did it tonight a few times. A good hooker chooses depending on the state the defence, the state of the markers, and the play that's been called, and Micky does just that. Simple firing fast passes is one-dimensional and easier to defend.

It's a basic of hooker play. Please don't embarrass yourself any more.

As I said, Roby has been the better player. But the McIlorum hate-in just shows up far too many fans.

Highlight for me was the woman with Sam Burgess shorts at the end

They did OK, but by this point after 5 games in 5 week we should be looking like a well oiled machine, not a bunch of kids thrown together , we need a massive improvement just to avoid embarrassment next week

Listen Julio Iglesias,
France are rubbish, not beaten GB/England since 1981 !
I bet they would struggle against Hunslet Hawks (ha ha ha)

It'll begin and end within 40 minutes.

I've embarrassed myself and yet you've just compared Mcclorum to Cameron Smith

Mcclorum hits hard, that's about it.

Or maybe i am embarrassing myself, and maybe Mcclorums "world class distribution" will be the key to success next week....

The ruck was slow when he was on and so was his distribution.

Mcilorums speed of passing could and should have been better. His passing is usually much more slick but he had a slow day today for whatever reason. But nonetheless, did we not score most of our points with him on the field? That is usually held in high regard by posters. His speed of distribution did not compromise englands go forward.

Will Chase be dropped for next week? NZ have previously wound him up and he did not perform tonight. Could that be the coach's big surprise ploy?

Let's put this perspective. It was England vs Catalans Dragons.

Final score: England 34 Catalans 6.


Next week England plays an entire country. A very different order of challenge.

Final score: New Zealand 38, England 18

How can England improve? Have four SL clubs in the south, with two of them in London to create a local derby. That way more southern England youngsters will be attracted to a professional career in rugby league, and England will have a much bigger talent pool to recruit from.

A similar formula will work to improve France. Have four French Super League clubs, and more French youngsters will choose a professional rugby league career, rather than a rugby union career. Then France's national team will have a bigger talent pool to choose from.

Poor performance England have this habit it seems of having the wrong attitude when they know they can beat a team half assed.