While I thought it was a better challenge for England than playing Wales or France...I think the lack of crowd will kill this fixture off, less than 8K at reduced prices will barely cover the costs of opening the Geri Halliwell for the night, and is only half the 14K crowd they got at Headingley for the first one.

I think the 14k at Headingley was mostly down to people seeing what it is all about and its clear that since the fans have not bought into the concept.Last nights game looked like nothing more than a friendly pre season run out with no passion whatsoever,the Exiles looked like they didnt give a toss first half.

Probables v Possibles would benefit England /GB more . The need to have a strong French national team will become more apparent as the quality of Aus/NZ players dwindles .

I agree, the 2011 game at Leeds also had much better marketing, they were flashing 'the Exiles are coming' on to the big screens for months for example.

I agree we need the French to become stronger, but England hammering them wouldn't help right now. They are also shooting themselves in the foot by hiring English coaches who have dubious records like Goulding and Agar, who don't even speak French! there must be a French coach out there who can do a better job, or someone like Justin Morgan or Trent Robinson who can speak the language.

Not Jack Reed? Far better than both those two.

Said this a week or so ago. It's simple, isn't it? England 'A' would have everything to play for and would be or equal, almost equal, or better

than their 'first team' counterparts. Plus, one against one would make those "difficult" decisions perhaps not-so-difficult for McBanana.

What i saw of him...he couldnt tackle a salad

The only draw back would be most of the probables would be playing in the NRL and those teams wouldn't release the players because of the match not been classed as an International.

I'll be very surprised if Cudjoe plays over Jack Reed.

Cudjoe would be 1st centre down on the list while watkins out.

Cudjoe is improving all the time. Is reed special at all? Or is he rated purely by playing in oz? Doesn't do much for me. Think watkins cudjoe or even Atkins would stand out more than reed in the same team.