Human Punk

This.

That's indeed what I said, but that maybe the only reason he never lost the ball was because it was on Munster's arm. Does that make it a lost ball? I don't know.

On a more general note, I think it was a mistake to drop Clark. Litten was more effective coming on as a sub and changing the play. Wane needed to show some guts and drop one of Mikey Lewis or George Williams entirely, that's what being head coach is all about, not hedging your bets. You'd have said that it was an improved performance overall, but then we failed to score a single try, which tells its own story.

From those stills it does look like the only reason that the ball wasn't dropped was because Munster's arm was there, even if Dom's hand never comes off the ball. Much less obvious a call than when I was shouting at the tv, to be fair.

I remember being part of a noisy crowd roaring England on in the latter stages of the 2013 semi-final. I can only say that any fans impact on the game is overstated.

Not sure Daryl Clark deserved a spot, I assume Litten won't be expected to pay 80 mins and I'd have thought someone more aggressive might be a better bet - no idea who though! Pleased to see Burgess in there though - with Lomax and Coates out he could have a big impact.

It's a bit odd - it's been a disappointing season again for Saints and you'd say on the face of it that Wellens hasn't managed to get the best out of his squad. But looking at the quality of players at his disposal, a narrow semi-final defeat is pretty much the best that anyone could have achieved with that lot (especially the complete absence of a quality half back). I don't suppose we'll ever find out if he's capable of being a great coach, but we've seen plenty evidence that he's a thoroughly good bloke, and I hope things work out for him in future.

** Negativity spoiler alert ** I don't think I've ever been as pessimistic regarding England's chances as I am this time. Herbie aside, I don't think we have anyone who would worry the Aussies. French is the best player in the league by some distance - we'd need a good 7 or 8 players of similar calibre to be in with a shout, and they just aren't there. Solid, decent clubmen aren't going to cut it. Is it only me who thinks we're in for a terrible drubbing?

I'd have said that Smith's appalling performance all evening was sufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision. The chances of him having got that call right were exceedingly slim.

Talagi is no Luai for sure. Still not sure how the Panthers managed to fall away so badly in the 2nd half though - I think they got a bit complacent. And if they'd been sensible and watched Leeds v Saints earlier they'd have known to take the 2 points on offer at 14-6! Pleased for Reynolds, a real quality player who should have been doing the place kicking from the off.

Jeez, that's just brought back horrible memories of Sinfield in the world cup semi against NZ. He's still got a bit of work to do before I forgive him for that.

Fantastic game for sure. Walsh should have been off, but then we wouldn't have had the game we got. I'm not convinced that pass in ET from Shibasaki was forward though, so the Broncos probably just about deserved their win. Fogarty will regret that easy conversion miss.

Fixed that for you!

Worzel said it better than I could earlier today. But I would say that this latest contribution from Nigel is one of the most dispiriting things I have ever read regarding this great sport. It's almost as if the game is being run by a total ###### (rhymes with farce).

Meeeooooowww!