It's fine as it is.

There's not enough of internationals in RL, let's not start ----ing around with the handful we do have.

He's right, y'know. All them clamouring for change are missing the point.

I agree, but if France played Wales, and England played a select side possibly then there would be one more international, not less.






It isnt is it, France have had a few pull outs from the Dragons, and who can blame them, the seasons tough enough already as it is and France are looking like getting another beating, gaining little from it in the process. Christ Bobbys even had a number of LER players pull out.

England have dragged three players needlessly round the world and could win the game with a third choice side.

Thirdly and most importantly England will gain so little from this that game that will be beneficial in the 4N its not funny.

Pelo & Duport are out, Barthau to join squad

No, that's still one international






You’ll see players pulling out of international fixtures when ever they’re played- it is indeed a tough old season.

France gain a place in the international calendar from it; their only fixture against Big Three opposition this year





It's up to Steve McNamara ain't it. He picks the team.

Flying those guys over makes an important point about the prestige of the international game.





I can’t agree that a mid season fixture doesn’t aid preparation for an end of season series. The players get to know each other’s games and the coaches get to see what they’re working with but the main point here is that it’s not all about preparing England for the inevitable thrashing against Australia. In that regard, there’s an element of urinating in the wind there what ever we’re doing with the England team. Playing these games- however one sided their outcome may be- helps to develop an international programme. This is essential for the future growth of the game in my view.

I'll take my boots then

Hi

U may need to bring your boots John D.

My boss is a good friend of one of the french players father who has promised to update as much as possible the team news from the camp i will try to find out between now and friday if any other players have dropped out.

One good thing he did say though is that the Dragons look like making cuts to expensive overseas signings to play more young french players next season in fairness to them they have been let down badly by a couple of imports over the passed season or 2 who either under preformed or were injured (Jason Ryles springs to mind)

I will see what i can find out before friday and make a quick post.

Oh one thing he did say is that Elima may be off to a UK club however i dont want to start rumours so please dont shoot the messenger however he was right regarding Fakir going to Castres and Pelo to Super 14 (Not done yet but on the cards which would be a real shame)

rlFrance squad for Saturdayrl
rlEngland squadrl

Wasn't planning on being at the match, but if the injury crisis continues I could be available.

Pelo to Super 14, what a waste of talent, would hope that the Dragons would cull some of the excess foreign wage bill and top up some of our French players' salary.

Absolutely spot on.

rlPreviewrl

I thought Villagas played on the wing?

rlEngland v France – How not to arrange an international sporting fixturerl

Starting line up:

Villegas
Vaccari
Raguin
Gossard
Piquemal
Gigot
Munoz
Casty
Mounis
Ferriol
Elima
Fakir
Bentley

Bench:

Touxagas
Griffi
Simon
Barthau