41 replies to this topic

[my missus]

so just this as a preparation to meet the aussies the mind boggles

[Scubby]

Actually don't think a two-game series would be that competitive TBH. With is being WC Year England players will want to put an effort in. The Exiles side is weakening year on year. I think a comfortable win for England this time around - maybe 20 points+ if it is fine.

[AndyCapp]

This will be the last year of the Exiles concept I suspect.
It has not captured the imagination of either the fans or the players to any large extent.
Last years games were a dire spectacle and the crowds have gone from..
14,000 England lost 12-16
11,000 England won 18-10
7,800 England lost 20-32
Even without the NRL based 5 or 6 players its hardly inspiring against mainly a bunch of veterans and average Joes.
An 11,000 average crowd that is dropping away is not going to go forward.

Edited by AndyCapp, 15 January 2013 - 07:33 AM.

[roughyedspud]

bring on England v Celtic tigers (wales,scotland & ireland)

[AndyCapp]

I would like to see France developed better than it has been, they seem to be treading water or even losing ground in the last decade.
I don't think there is an easy solution for England, the way the game has been developed over the years has been an issue that will not go away any time soon.

[roughyedspud]

france don't want to play mid season

[AndyCapp]

france don't want to play mid season

Why not?

[Dave T]

france don't want to play mid season

really? They played Wales last year iirc.

[roughyedspud]

i mean they don't want to play england..

[AndyCapp]

i mean they don't want to play england..

Why is that? I thought it was England did not want to play France as they were easy beats and they were sick of it

[roughyedspud]

no another myth...it was the french that pulled out, they told the RFL they did'nt see the point of it cos they could never put out a full strength team and it was also damaging catalans season......and what for? to get hammered by england again no thanks...so they pulled out...



of course the french can get away with fielding a less than full strength team against the welsh though..

[AndyCapp]

no another myth...it was the french that pulled out, they told the RFL they did'nt see the point of it cos they could never put out a full strength team and it was also damaging catalans season......and what for? to get hammered by england again no thanks...so they pulled out...



of course the french can get away with fielding a less than full strength team against the welsh though..

That does not say much about the ambition of the French authorities to ever be competitive if that is right.

[roughyedspud]

they said it suits them better to play england at the end of the season....mid season serves no benefit to them at all....and they have a point

[AndyCapp]

they said it suits them better to play england at the end of the season....mid season serves no benefit to them at all....and they have a point

What will they do in four Nations years where they do not qualify or are not eligible?
Just not play a top side at all then?

[roughyedspud]

no...they'll play england in a warm up game like they did in 2011

[AndyCapp]

no...they'll play england in a warm up game like they did in 2011

They will if the International calender allows them in that given year, the dates change every season.

[roughyedspud]

well its up to the french......they are'nt there just so england can smash them...they have to do what they think is best for them...

[Tonka]

One game and do it well. Simple as.

Seconded

[CANETMAN]

France 100% would like a match v England this year and that came from the president.

CM

[roughyedspud]

well he should have picked up the phone then..but its too late now...they'll have to settle for a games against england knights..