I actually think Smith may well be cover for Briscoe at full back looking at the squad make up.

Cannot understand O'Loughlin at centre though (if it is in preperation for the Aussies). Its almost like saying we cant beat you in attack in the centres so we are playing a strong defender!

One, thats a negative attitude which probably will not work against Inglis et al anyway and two stopping a young English centre (Shenton, Clubb?) from playing against him at this level. Surely the best experience a kid can get is playing in the big games?

Seems bizarre doesn't it? What will we learn about whether it is a viable tactic vs NWZ or Aus in a game against an extremely weak looking Wales team? Shenton is playing tonight iirc, but Clubb or one of a handful of others could have had a confidence building run out. If O'Loughlin plays centre in the 4 nations, it'd show T. Smith has lost all faith in English 3/4s, IMO. Sometimes you can see the sense in an unorthodox idea - Pryce in the centres, for example. But this is very leftfield. Tbh, it is so strange, I'd kind of dismissed the idea it'll be used again - you've worried me a bit.

It may not be the plan but with Bridge on the bench who at least is a centre of sorts there really is no need to play O'Loughlin at centre.

Whoever plays opposite Inglis is in for a torrid time but I would rather it be a young English centre who could learn from the experience because all the coaching and training in the world will not provide the experience of actually playing against him.

Well it shouldnt be Sykes as back up after tonights performance!!

Fox's performance tonight worries me if he is selected to face the Aussies or Kiwis, glaring errors in attack and defence. Tom was ok though.

Briscoe had a decent game albeit with little ball to speak of. Fox bombed his only chance, although it was stripped rather than dropped.

It must be a great comfort for you after such a dissappointing 2 years watching (and paying for it) poop.

Obviously Tom was played on the left as the better left winger of the two too!!

Smith has told Briscoe he could still feature in 4 Nations if one of the first-choice outside backs gets injured. Is Fox still a first choice back on tonight's showing?

I hope the 2 get switched for England's sake.

The alternative would be Lee Smith, and I'd still put Fox ahead of him. He got involved well carrying the ball out of defence, which is a big part of his game, and looked energetic. That said, he could have done to have finished his chance (credit to the defender though) to boost his confidence. Playing on the right outside O'Loughlin and then Bridge was definately the short straw.

I'd play Fox for the French game, which will be more of a 'normal' match, then see how it goes from there.

If players can be called up to replace injured players I think the argument for including Smith and Sykes for their versatility is a bit weak.


Who do people think the centres will be for the 4 nations now? Shenton was only okay, and O'Loughlin did nothing much there to justify that bit of out of the box thinking.