Odsal Outlaw

I actually think the relative success of this WC means we should simply lock in the next tournament in Australia again. Ideally in 3 years to get back to the cycle we were on with ‘17,’21 as it’s a ‘light’ year for sports. Outside of England I don’t see anyone else who could host so let’s try and capitalise on this tournament with some strong TV revenue next time in Aus. It would also be great to expand to 12 teams (or fund a proper World Series qualifying tournament and maybe even then reduce to 8 teams for the main comp) and maybe add 1-2 more games in NZ The extra revenue should even mean England can fly a decent route to their first game

Watched 5 minutes of it. Women against girls. I think for women’s World Cup there maybe needs to be a rethink in format. It would benefit from a qualifying World Series. The likes of France and Wales shouldn’t be at the WC yet, and even England should probably be in the qualifying series. In fact a proper Euro Cup where winners go to WC might be best.

I think in women’s RL we have the opportunity to create more windows in the northern hemisphere for internationals amongst Euro teams. Won’t help England in the short term but will help all the rest.

Just watched the highlights. Wales look every part an amateur team, not sure how much you learn from a drubbing every week. Although agree with the coaches comments post game, they need regular, organised internationals if they are to improve.

It’s completely fair for him to call it out.

Smiths main strengths are organisation and kicking game. Organisation is a hygiene factor at this level and our last tackle options were woeful. He completely failed in that department compared to Tonga. We need to try another option at 7. Maybe Williams at 7 and Lewis at 6, or Suvala at 6. Would obviously have liked to have seen Conner in there but that’s no an option!

Well this is a very valid question. Knowing Wood etc. have flown over I wonder how they travelled. I don’t for one minute think Wood will have been in economy. @Martyn Sadler a great idea for a follow up article on the ‘why’ behind the England travel schedule and whether the leadership team flew the same way!

Thanks for sharing. No report or even result on BBC website. I can see results from Nat Conf Div2 tho

I honestly think if that game is in England as game 1 of a World Cup we win. We’ve just made the team travel a ridiculous route to Perth and given them no warm up game. Yet we still created more opportunities than we did in the entire Ashes series last year. I actually thought we were good at times and a few key turning points cost us (like the dodgy penalty Tonga got for a high shot in second half and then scored from). But ultimately came up short I think Smith clearly isn’t good enough for this level and the omission of Conner looks even worse after that game from Harry Smith. But, the game as a spectacle was enjoyable. England played some good stuff. Unfortunately the bizarre tournament structure means that’s pretty much tournament over. But I would stick with McDermott. Think he can be a positive influence on this team. But he needs to be supported by a governing body who help rather than hinder.

Have a word with yourself!

Well. Actually I’ve enjoyed seeing how we played today more than in the whole ashes series. I like the way McDermott has approached it. The penalty for a high shot mid second half was a turner as Tonga scored off the next set. In terms of the group, we now have to hope Tonga beat Samoa and we have to run up a lot of points in our games vs Fr and PNG.

Yes it does! Glad I’m not alone

England look like the numbers on their shirts have been positioned assuming names would go above them. Appreciate that’s not overly interesting

I watched the last 20 minutes. How bad was the camera work

Interesting when watching the Jillaroos game that there is no ‘6 again rule’ in the women’s World Cup. Reminded me how much slower the game was when each offence was a penalty. Not sure why there is a difference vs men?