England-France

Quote: Charmless Nerk "No, that's still one international'"

Touche

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

Indeed, but rarely are countries hit by withdrawls that hurt as much as Frances, we know they are going to have alot of their topline players out and I feel the game would be an exellent chance for McNamara to look at someone like Aaron Murphy or Ben Harrison in the camp with the other lads.

Quote: Charmless Nerk "
France gain a place in the international calendar from it; their only fixture against Big Three opposition this year'"

Cant argue with this point.

Quote: Charmless Nerk "
Flying those guys over makes an important point about the prestige of the international game.'"

Cant really pull the prestige card when the game is being held in a small town with no railway station.

It is also deemed so prestigious that it cant even have its own day in the RL calender

Quote: Charmless Nerk "
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 imagine both coaches will take things out of the camps. Bobby is (albeit hand forced in some ways) having a look at a few different players and I commned him for that. What will Steve McNamara take from seeing the same old faces in camp as they approch a game they are expected to win by plenty?

I agree with developing an International calender too. I just feel that this game and its obvious result is slowly turning people off, this game will show the casual International fan that on the face of things France have not improved in the years Catalans have been in SL.

That may or may not be true, but i think in the long term 60 point beatings will not help this sport develop an International calender as we are often scared of blow out scores.

Ultimatley, back to my original post I never said this game should be done away with and I am undecided as to what would be better preperation for both sides. (i.e Wales V France and England V SuperLeague Aussies I dont have the answers. I just dont think this fixture will last if the onesided nature of the contests continues.