03/11/2012 Rugby League Autumn Internationals

Hello, welcome to Hull in. It is England against France this

afternoon, both sides having already beaten Wales. This manner

is William Wilberforce, a former MP, and the world owes him the

abolition of slavery. England 20 simply reformation of manners. I am

not sure how polite it will be on the pitch, but with one eye on next

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year's a World Cup, will both girls The French had a week off, so all

right here fresh. And speaking of a fresh, there is a chill and the air

at Craven Park, but as ever, there is a good atmosphere and the fans

With me here throughout the afternoon, these are two. As far as

the game is concerned, what are we expecting? It will be a tough game.

England will try to play it very disciplined. That is exactly what

Steve McNamara will be looking for stop both sides meet again next

week in the final. Do you try not to reveal too much? Steve has made

a few changes, and that is because he wants to look at a couple of

players. He would treat the game at separately and want good

performances from both. The eye is on the World Cup of next year.

There are some stand-ups and the squad. Her here is the tip sheet

with Damian Johnson. Anglo-French clash is have a long

history, but England have won the last 13 fixtures. They last met the

year ago, with England winning 32- 18. Both sides of start to the

autumn internationals with wins over Wales. Last Saturday, England

had 14 tries at Wrexham. It will be no easy ride for the home side,

though. France's binmen pack a punch. England can expect a

bruising encounter. But the beauty a more on the beast is Steve

Tompkins, and his last competitive game was against French

representatives when Wigan beat Catalans.

We will talk more about Tomkins in a moment, but the England team

today have the November emblem on Beckett to recognise thousands of

men growing moustaches for the whole of November. This is to

recognise testicular and prostate cancer. They have both got a thick

moustaches or ready. I don't blame you if you will have to peer into a

television to see that! How long have you been growing that? This is

even Afellay week. 36 years! Let's get back to the Rugby League show.

Three changes. What is the sinking -- thinking behind this? Tomkins is

back, Tom Briscoe will play a. are you looking for, most of all?

Continuity, consistency, a repeat performance of last week. Training

sessions, everything we do, is of a consistent standard. We performed

very well last week. The French a different kind of challenge from

Wales? Certainly, physically, yes. More they physically good challenge,

but tactically, we have good players. Where up England in terms

of the build up to the World Cup? We put a lot of things in place. We

want to win this tournament. Looking at the strength and quality

of the players, we are no good position. How big a challenge will

England be for the French team? big challenge for us. To play

England is always difficult. After the two games against Wales, our

team has a strong spirit, and today will be a good test for us.

must be aware that it is over 30 years since France beat England or

Great Britain. Yes, a long-time! Our Rugby League in France has done

a lot this season. We just want to focus on beating England, but not

on that, but also our players. If we make the effort and play hard

with the good mentality, what we did against Wales we can do

something. If they will do something, they

will have to stop Sam Tomkins, weren't they? They definitely well.

In his fullback role, he squared a couple of tries. He was biting at

the bit to get back on the field. Providing he is 100% fit, he will

play well. For every beauty you play well. For every beauty you

play well. For every beauty you need a beast. You cannot

underestimate the influence of Gareth Hock. He is a world-class

player. Things happen around him. He has cut through half-back's

brain in a beastly body of his. Things happen around him on the

pitch. Things may happen on the phantom physicality, but there is

subtler tea with her Gareth Hock as well. There certainly is. When you

are defending, you wear about what he would do. He can really turn on

the speed. He has got it all. rumours are that they are in

advance talks for him to be there next to a pledge to go and the NRA.

He is well sought-after. Speaking off subtler tea, let us take a look

at Thomas Bosc. He was so influential for against the Welsh.

It took him a while to get going. Sublime kicking game on the day.

When Bosc came into the game, this could points every time. Either he

ran or kicked and something happened for the French. He is

pivotal. Was the one step ahead of them sometimes? He struggled to get

into the game initially because he had been at fault a long period in

the south of France. When he wants to inject himself. Sometimes, they

are waiting for him to do something when vacant complementary and bring

you into the game. If we go back to England, and take a look at Tom

Briscoe, it just emphasises the strength and depth Steve McNamara

has in that position. Yes, Tom Briscoe is one of the top Super

League players of the past three years. The great thing about him is

he has a great turn of pace. He can get that ball back to the line

really quickly. It is so important to your overall set going forward

in the game. It is it harsh, Hardaker as well? I think it is a

head to head. Steve is looking at people and throwing down the

gauntlet. Steve has got a head scratch a. We will head to the

studio. Daniel what John has at half-time for a chat about next

year's a World Cup. Now, sit back and enjoy the first half. England

against France, live from the BBC against bone. It is effectively a

two-Test series between England and France. Before we start today, a

minute's silence in memory of the former MP of Pontefract and

Castleford. A strong voice for Rugby League in the common laws of

power, and a gentleman. He will be sadly missed by a great many. We

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two anthems. The first one is the # Aux armes, citoyens,

# Formez vos bataillons. # Marchons, marchons!

# Qu'un sang impur. # God save our gracious Queen!

# Long live our noble Queen! # God save the Queen!

# Send her victorious, # Happy and glorious,

Bid is a game to relish, this afternoon, it really is. One or two

young players in this English side looking to name - might make a name

of their self ahead of the World Cup last year. Two changes to the

are concerned, one change to their line-up. Cardace coming in on the

wing. Bentley also coming in. Baitieri also starting this

afternoon. He had such a big influence two weeks ago. Ben

Harrison into 17 for the first time. Abblet also looking to make an

impression. A New Zealander is Chris Hill brings it forward up to

the 20 metre mark. A very bright and the sunlit Craven Park. A

wonderful setting in what could be a wonderful day. Are I was talking

to Welsh players last week and they compared the England forwards and

the French forwards. They said the outside backs of England had more

speed. England might not win the ruck area as easy as with the Welsh

match. Maybe we talk too much about the physicality of the French but

it is a feature of their team. They are big forwards. It is built in

muscle down the middle here. Baitieri making very little

movement forward. Catching on the full is always an advantage as it

gives you the extra few yards. in the ruck area last week, it was

slow before they had a kick. They need to have the speed, the French,

because England have put three marshal well. They will have to

make sure that Tomkins of's available space is kept to a

will be up the French great confidence. A good start by the

French. 12 months from now, this ground will stage one of the World

Cup games. Rugby league is coming to this country for the World Cup

in rugby league. The French will be here a week -- in one week against

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Papua New Guinea so a lot to look the referee will be a bit more lax

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taken out of play? He has given the try. I rather thought he might have

gone for a video replay, but he is confident enough to give the try

and Kallum Watkins has the early score. It was in the lead-up work

by eight Cudjoe and the way he skipped across. The defensive line,

that stayed together. There comes a point where you have to get forward.

Cudjoe here gets too far across and as a defender you have to stop him.

The second row came in and Ellis straightens it up.. Watkins was

strong and powerful and held his line. Once it was on the one on one,

he was always going to dominate. A bit disappointed with the French

forwards. They had a chance but they let him dance across and get

had an continues to have, with a goal that extends England's need.

Possession is so vital in rugby league. In football, there is

sometimes a situation where you can lead with a less possession. The

inability to stop Myler and Mustafa Abdul Jalil, provided Watkins the

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opportunity to dominate them. -- provide here? The first real chance

for them to have the ball inside you look at him here, he conducts

it for the French. They had the chance to drain some of the energy

and put the question mark on the English to do repeat sex. A if you

are watching at home, don't adjust a couple of weeks ago against the

have gone back to their left hand side to go against Sinfield is

mistakes from Gareth Hock in the early stages. There is a big

difference in the game already from last week. You have to get the ball

as a legitimate pass, but they have some real composure. Bosc is

sticking to the game plan in attack and they look very comfortable. I

giving the English defensive line to organise itself. -- a chance to

give them an early exit. sounded disappointed. Is there a

lingering Frenchness I can detect?! No, no. The French have put a lot

of work in over the last couple of years. We need a dominant French

team in rugby league to help the international game. I love the way

they work internationally and at club level. Rugby is thriving for

the French at the moment, which is great. They were one of the

superpowers of the rugby league at one time. There are those who think

they will not get back to the top again but you only have to look at

what's has happened in New Zealand -- Sam Tomkins early. His first

game back, but I like the way the French, at the moment, getting

forward and passing Tomkins and forcing him to make an early

decision. Don't forget, this is the first of a two-parter. The final

will be between these two, live from Salford next week, 4:50pm on

BBC Two. What better way to spend a Sunday evening? It will be engaged

deciding it was taken high as well. He has given the penalty, so the

French have got the ball. What we want players to get forward, to be

physical. He has had a -- come from outside into shut it down. Timing

has gone wrong here. The arm has come up, the body is dropping, and

if you make contact with their head, in any form, it is a penalty. It

and the intention not all unintentional. And that is a

physical challenge. Just back from a terrific spell in Australia,

isn't he, Gareth Ellis? He is joining Hull FC. A bit of a mixed

reception before the game. Yes, what a great inclusion back into

Rugby League. It is interesting, watching France. Last week, they

got absolutely ambushed by going directly into the ruck. The French

are trying to get to the edge defence, so they can get more one-

on-one tackles, hot and Ellis, and then you can get some space on the

next ruck. They are getting away from that physical contact a little

bit. Everything at the moment, France is doing really well. They

have conceded to an early try, but responded really well. A player has

got to his knees, A-grade signed. The roars into Rugby League a very

stringent. The game it is governed by doctors having a big say in what

here at Craven Park - new edition. They are looking to build a new

stand at the end as well. This will be a smart ground. Behind the

sticks, no development at the moment. But a new stand will be

there as well. And that terracing has been extended as well over the

last couple of years. An them off the field. I am sure

weekend see him later. It in Rugby League, if you touch the head of

anyone, you have got to pay the consequences. This is why I think

the French team are doing well, possession is 58%. France to

regroup or England to refocus? is whether they can set their

defence and dominate England. Not Bentley is a nippy player. Very

keen to see when there mark his of names. Spent a normal -- all for

a long time in France, and that is not want him to hesitate. They have

come out with an early loss of the guessing. When Gareth Hock has the

ball when his hand, something is currently standing in for.

he is suffering from a mild concussion. They are giving him so

much oxygen from the portable oxygen machine. I think it is fair

look at this. Yes, he has. There were two men in the tackle when his

ball stolen. When it is a one-on- one in the tackle, and no second

defender, you are allowed to steal the ball and it is legitimate. The

situation here, I think this will be a trifle stopped Cudjoe comes in

late. We have got to see if that is where none one. And he releases the

ball before Cudjoe comes then. In my eyes, I think this will be a

trifle stop you have got to remember, the roles are, one-on-one,

it is OK. If someone comes in with a handle any contact, no try. We

will make an easy decision here. It would be a try, against the run of

the try is given! I was thinking to myself, this is a try! That takes

the old, her anticipation and precision. And Sinfield kicks an

easy goal there. Sometimes, a player has got that games sense an

awareness. Often happens with the smaller players, they get in there

and realise, the ball is friable, but he offload sit and makes it

into a try. Miler's awareness and games sense very good there.

England lead, 12-0. Briscoe continuing a particularly fine run

against the French. Five tries he By England still in prime position

a in difficult ball. Some deaths they would have been begging for

mercy if they held onto the ball. Now, new near the 20 men a mark.

The ability to bounce is starting to her nail, and putting real

needs to be longer. Tomkins has come onto the ball. I am not sure

if that breeze is strong down there were not. Notorious geographical

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element in this ground. The breeze Numerous England players in front

of it. You look good England's defence, and it is really solid. No

tries before half-time. The France team are looking for the penalty.

They look very tight at the moment. Do you get that feeling? Yes. They

need to get tied. A kick collected by Tomkins. And here comes Ryan

Hall on the return. They start their first tackle at the 40, a new

nor the centre at six, they can come up with an attacking click on

the line. The kids have got to be longer. High up, drawing defenders

to him. Cudjoe has got it across the line. This should be in England

trying now. His second of the game. Wonderful start! It drew the

defenders, and England did wonderfully well to take advantage

of it. The they were in attacking mode straight away. This is where

they started deteriorating. England hold their shape and go

straight away to ALS. Players are so good at drawing and passing. The

first to tackle, not sticking. And England's favour. We are getting

towards the back end of this first half and Brian Noble is with us

today. What are you making of this international performance England

are putting on? I think they lacked a little bit of go forward but they

don't need to when they have got the likes of Gary Hock in the team.

They are executing well -- Gareth Hock. The more they keep giving

England the ball with decent field position, the tougher it will get

for France. They need to find... Bosc needs to get in charged to

give themselves a chance. With Stacul of England, will the coach

have to look at things again? this should do, is free up the

energy. Welcome to the game Rob ball is kicked to him. Talking

about a bit of damage, oh! He has only just arrived on the field!

That is not the fire - my first time they have had good shoulder

but England are doing their job kick and that is not good enough

when applying pressure on an the penalty England's away. This is

interesting because whizz Sinfield kicking it out, based dart inside

the French 20 metres. They will be under a lot of pressure here. And

with to replace -- replacements, Briscoe, who is pointing to a

A fine touch. Alarm bells ringing every time he gets the ball because

of his height and skill. His ability to grab a defender and hold

him while he flicks it out is a didn't need him. England have a 4th

try. When you have the Teague and lose field position, early on, they

want to get forward on some Tomkins and sat him down. They want to make

him rush his decisions. Now they are Bath -- back-pedalling, they

are fearful of his speed. Watkins really took a defender in, but you

really have to get forward and when you give this player time, he has

the best the -- feet and he is our number one player, R Man of Steel

this season. Give him time, he will grill you. He has caused a

statistical moment of note as that try was his 14th in England

performances and it puts him level as the England top scorer. Sinfield

pulled that well wide so he has missed two now. In scoring this try

here, Sam Tomkins, he recalls Alpha Ellaby. -- Alf Ellaby. It is one of

those historical moments but it doesn't mean too much at this stage.

He has a great ability to skip your outside shoulder. Then he makes the

outside defender turning and he gets apprehensive. They have to

stay square and get forward and don't be scared to get up and store

pressure him and shut him down. That is where fatigue and field

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position starts biting away at you not giving themselves a chance,

France, to build pressure against England. Johnson is in conversation

with just Charlie. What have you made of the start? -- Josh Charnley.

It is all looking pretty good. There is good competition coming

through with Tom brisk go coming through so hopefully he can impress

in training and get the nod ahead but now it is in abundance. Awry

youngsters coming through. And in the centre and wing there is plenty

to choose from. What where we saying about outside backs. We said

that we think they can score some points here today, but that is a

lack of concentration. Reach for the ball and not let it hit your

chest. Was he thinking about the defender coming across? He will be

disappointed because that should have been taken. News on the

touchline. Yes we saw Stacul come off the pitch after the collision

with Ellis and he has departed for hospital for precautionary checks.

the best so far. Been need something. They need to switch

more experienced players but his pass and execution on that was

quite poor. Twice in that set of six they tried to ship it and go

around England but it is hard when the World Cup next year and this

tournament is part of that preparation so they need to remain

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away. Soubeyras was there to delicate enough. If we look at the

kick across, there must be a breeze for England because be France

kicking game didn't go along. The sun is right in the French wingers

eyes. It has been hard to handle over there, but they have done well.

They have dodged a couple of bullets, scrambled well and worked

hard for each other. The average anything more away. For England's

times. But they need to produce a more consistently. Straight into

the arms of Sam Tomkins who barely referee says, that was a second

effort. That did is a problem, or you bring it to their edges and get

one-on-one tackles, they will always when the ruck. And that way,

you will bring the referee in with their bodies on the line. Their

quality, a technique, but great work by Tomkins, not buying that

played with Catalan last year. At the foot as sounds at the end of

the 30th minutes. Four tries they England, some of them up I catchers,

and they have dominated. To two tries for Kallum Watkins. At half-

time, England at Leeds France by 20 England's were her efficient,

probably their best way to describe that first-half performance -

firmer crude tries, two from Kallum Watkins, Tom Briscoe is going as

well. Sam Tomkins also back in the team after injury, completing the

Steve McNamara not happy with the amount of air was England made last

week. But I hear, once again, at week. But I hear, once again, at

eight there was made by England. They might have dominated

possession, but maybe the set completion will disappoint them -

62%. He will be disappointed. Last 62%. He will be disappointed. Last

week, it was about getting forward. In this first half, they have been

too keen to move the ball -- ball out wide. If they address that,

they will come out stronger. eagle-eyed among stew may have

realised that we have doubts are lucky with us. Or did you make

tobacco? Both sides, their formation and attack has been great.

England have been able to keep the French there. England made more

mistakes. When you watched that first half, England played decent

rugby at times. That they allowed to do that? That is a fair

reflection of. The French are challenging the English with the

ball. They are physically not up to that at the moment. England is too

strong. The amount of times Tomkins has brought the ball back 20 or 30

metres, they are looking up and I in the wrong half again. It from

the French side, it is hard to maintain that defence you want at

that level. There has become more like an... England are in training

mode. Does that make them more relaxed? Qui a darts, but they lack

that intensity. -- it does. That mental discipline they need to keep

executing their players is what Steve Waugh be looking for stop the

French a good to raise the bar little bit. Even if it is a kicking

game. If the French are raised the bar, it would be great if the PIA

could lower the volume! Let us could lower the volume! Let us

start with Kallum Watkins. He he had to engage his five defenders.

We have highlighted what he does. What that gives England is a five

onto macro. He is too big and too quick. It is Cudjoe here that

engages at least six French defenders. It is literally just

about execution. Kallum Watkins was about execution. Kallum Watkins was

too good. We spoke about Tom Briscoe pre-match. He comes and has

caused. Yes, he does. Richie Myler, a great defensive shot. This is

what Tom Briscoe does well. A little bit of controversy. I

thought it was a good call, but Myler did get the ball off him.

When Tom Briscoe gets under that type of space, he is great. Kallum

Watkins got his second England. We were talking about England's

strength in depth, and there is a platform to play their rugby.

teams in attack had been getting their formation right. Do we read

anything from the fact that Watkins and Cudjoe kept their places?

will have some challenges. A couple of players not hear that will push

for those centre spot. They have done well and have executed well

today. We have seen the line open to him. When you get to play the

big boys, the difference can be one a player. That is the difference

between winning and losing. That gives you a good tag. I would get

Darren to remind you of all the damage he did do. But let us look

at these Sam Tomkins try. England have been tried to get the ball to

Sam Tomkins all day long. He gets to the edge of the Centre. Even

though he is extremely quick, he is also extremely strong. He needs to

get the edge on the Centre. What is the pure Sam Tomkins in Australia?

In this country, he is the best player in this country. How do the

Australians view him? When you first came on the scene, there was

a lot of talk about temples stop -- about him. He has got great for

work. At the same time, we kept him quiet we found. Let us take a look

at one other thing that happened - this tackle. It is high but not

malicious. It get some underneath that the tuna, which is why he has

probably gone to hospital. Hopefully, that is just

precautionary. His timing was good, he just got the wrong area. You can

rest assured it is not malicious. If he slipped up around his chin,

he will have to answer to the judiciary. However, timing was

great, execution off. We talked to damn about the World Cup. It starts

in a year's time. First, let us What is it like, watching

yourself?! Good memories! We lost the World Cup in 2008. I have some

great memories. You don't have quite such good memories! What

damage did he do to you? I often felt the difference between the two

teams was Stacey Jones. To bring the game home, when the playgoer

really tight, the champions stand up. When the intensity is at its

highest, the champions stand-up, and Darren was one of those players.

That is the map of a true champion. Never quite managed to rub salt

into the wombs. -- wounds. I am a huge believer in I would love to

play Australia and New Zealand every week, and we have to raise

the bar. They were the best challenge. When you aspire to put

on a Rugby League at Jersey, you aspire to represent your country

and some form. England and Australia is the opening game of

the World Cup. But this week, you will ride on Wednesday, and are

going round the country and promoting this and the fact it

starts and a year's time. He has, been here in Hull for the last 24

hours, the reception has been great and so have the ticket sales. I

think it can be bigger and better here in the UK. I am looking

forward to coming back and watching some good rugby. I was going to

Downing Street. You got to meet the great man when you were there. What

was it like? For the Prime Minister to acknowledge the World Cup, it is

great for the sport in this country. great for the sport in this country.

There is a lot of excitement, particularly a pair in the north.

England-Australia is the opening game. When you look at those groups,

we know how it is seeded, and it is Australia-England have a New

Zealand. You look at the last Four Nations tournaments, and I know the

Nations tournaments, and I know the score board probably reflects it.

The Kiwis obviously the current holders. I think it will be earned

The there are good teams in their that might cause a surprise. I read

about the type of players Fiji will be introduced. We are seeing the

best players on the planet next year. Just take a look at the

screen here. All the English players at the moment plate in the

What does that say about the It is positive. There are quality

players that come back in this England team. There is intense

competition. Brian mentioned before about raising the bar. They will

bring back experience and confidence. Thank you very much for

joining us. Thank you for promoting the World Cup. Enjoy the rest of

your time in England. Let us go back to our commentators, shall we.

We had to say goodbye to Lampard with a broken jaw. What a finish

that was. Whether we will see quite the same finish in this game is

open to debate. England are dominating with four tries in the

first half. It needs a big response by France in this second period. I

am sure they are young coach, Aurelien Cologni, well, if he can

provoke some sort of reaction in his -- this second half he might

get the permanent job. The first three rucks that England got after

a kick they got over 450 metres and compare that to the French to only

made 216. England dominated and set the scene. If they can improve that,

it will get them back in the game. Straight away tamer they are

playing big ball on the opposition Tomkins. There is a question

lingering here. A question about the grounding. The body language

indicates that will be a try. He does lose it, but he doesn't lose

it forward or lose control of it. I think this will be more than fair

is his right arm that controls it before it hits the ground. I agree

leading in done that - my England try scorer, having overtaken Alf

Ellaby. That is in his 40 performances for England. There is

an awful lot of history. England played then as Great Britain.

was the offload by Harrison which got them on the front foot. And

every good half-back should lurk around the ruck area. But it was

the offload which absolutely knocked the river might of the

made it to half way. You have to be more expansive and positive what

you do with the ball. It is a test of temperament for the French,

isn't it, from hereon in? They have to find a way to get back into the

contest today. They need a bazooka to get the ball down the end of the

field. They have to do it again in Salford against England next week

so they have to give themselves a reason to believe and to restore a

bit of pride. England have the boots on the throat of this French

taken to hospital after a heavy jar on his head and neck. How much has

that disrupted the French play? is a massive disruption to their

attacking line, and their defensive line. When you look at this game,

we are not looking at the French playing at their optimum. The might

of times they come off their lines and so there is plenty it

improvement in them. They can learn a lot from this game. You have to

go back to February 1981 to see the last time the French won on English

soil, at Headingley that day. It looks like defeat number 14 this

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touched it down. It was held up, in replica of the other one. I don't

think he had control won the ball. I'm not sure there wasn't a hand on

the ball there encouraging it down. They had good shape and posed

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problems but they have gone in the penalty. He has given it as a

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strip. He might have had help from thought it might have been a

forward pass but the referee has given the try. They did very well

defensively the friend -- French to hold them out. We talk about vision

in rugby league and the ability to You aren't allowed to make contact

with a defender like that and be awarded a try. In my eyes, that

would be a no try because, as he came forward, Tomkins cannot upset

the plague -- player or make contact. A bit unlucky there, the

French, on the penalty and then the last decision by the referee on the

at the moment as a result of this. We talk about this deal of Hock,

a world class player. We talk about That try should not have been

say. We don't need that rubbish, dies. -

sports about what he's been said on the field of play. Not only the

referee and linesmen, but as coaches, we can hear what they say.

I think it is the way to be, to be heard. Even if it is not broadcast.

neck, was it? If you make contact with their head, where they are

lazy or sloppy or unintentional, it is a penalty. That gives them a

chance to repeat set. The intensity in the England team today is better

than last week. It is good confidence bite going into the

just 15 metres away looking for their first score of the afternoon.

Elima is on his wake to Catalan referee says, a slowdown, some. You

still have 80 yards to go. French player, no wanted to get the

ball, was bumped off, so denied a there. England will be desperate to

hang on to this zeroes scoreline in their defensive favour. France not

You can look straight away at France. They have continually come

to their left. The England defence has been very strong there, but a

at the way they score. Just a quick or word about a great player who

was taken off. Is there group the improvement? There are always

things we would like to take a lookout. So far, a fantastic effort.

A little bit of it glumly at -- not to smiling French faces and the

live from Salford. The final. I wonder if the French will be put on

more of a show next week. I suspect they will. Licking their wounds

after what has happened to them so English defending there. They

haven't really tested that English line, have they? It is almost as if

they do not know what to do next. They want to go to sideways, too

early. Their sideways movement is England's point of view.

defensive line is not as it does it was. They can see the opportunities.

A bit of sloppiness with it the French. They need to do a little

bit better when they're down the other end of the park. Damian, what

news? The afternoon's activity maybe up. A knee problem. A lot of

set now for the French. What can they do? Not a bad kicker, either.

He has only just dealt with it. minute for the next one.

Consistency in their game now, the French. There front row sucks the

momentum is all funds's choir at the moment. England desperately

hanging on. They do not want to concede. That done by Tomkins from

the norms a -- offside position, the referee decides, so penalty to

in possession after possession. and they need it. The ball has been

stripped forward, that is why it is a knock-on. Order the possession of

stats look like? France are dominating second half possession.

51% France, a 49% England. Perhaps a little bit of a worrying us that

- they have not really tested this gone down injured. Something...

think he might have punctured a road or something. I do not know if

he has popped a shoulder or Rebbe. A bit like an ice cream in the sum

up, as we say in Australia! Just started to melt in front of her

happened five minutes to go. A big hit there by Kallum Watkins. That

has left its mark. Five minutes later, he is running down the field,

and suddenly feels just how big a hit that was. The big problem now,

three players who have left the field of play you cannot return.

Three of them a out of play. Only 20 minutes to go. They have been

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

and time. Trying to get points on says, not one. England's defence is

like a blanket. They had been really positive. This is what

happens when you have no points and have not scored a try but have a

lot of possession - you start to push it. You want to... Will have a

sudden, your phone with a flicking it out. The England defence has

been great in terms of getting forward, put in numbers and the

tackle. They are readjusting their defence. Very good defensively for

England. Wigan hit from Damian again. What is the latest injury

news? Gregory Mounis in an awful lot of pain. His collarbone has

been put back in. He is in the agony. Not surprised. England,

having spent an awful lot of time and their French up, now in the

have restricted to England's territory and try-scoring

possibilities. But they have not really tested that English line.

The referee has to get out of the way. A good defensive response to

push Bosc back. You learn a lot from that. The precision kick and

the awareness to kick back. And then the hunger and attitude of the

England defence to hold him up and carry them back. Growing signs by

England from an attitude point of view. Drops a little scraggy.

Watkins collects ahead of the 40 metre mark, and bulldozers is way

beyond to the 30 metre mark. England starting from here. Good

effort forward by ALS. -- Ellis. He has managed to pick it up and the

end. They are in prime position again here. Muscular effort, but

debt has been lost. No advantage. in and control the tackle and wrap

up the ball. Hock is coming on the ball so hard and he is getting that

space. I think police go is aiming for a hat-trick. -- Briscoe.

said he might get a hat-trick, didn't you? He is world class. If

he gets an opportunity, he seizes it. Maybe a move to Australia at

tight, that chest and that shoulder contact going right through his

salvage something from this to give the pay-off is in England's

advantage. The French defence was It is the 7th English try and 36-0.

When Sinfield got the ball, he looked at the opening and thought

there was nothing much happening there. Even when he got the ball in,

he could have shifted it but they were wide defensively in the ruck

area. Still trying to regroup after inside. That is where Sinfield has

composure. It Good players have time and Sinfield has time in his

success. 38 points-0. England lead and are flying into next week's

final. There is Steve McNamara. What has he learnt from today?

has learned a few things defensively. They, you look at the

amount of defence work they had to do and they turned it when they had

a chance. They are getting some read them, continuity and

structures they have been practising in South Africa and they

are putting them in place. They know that defensively they have

been strong and, I have to say, their back row was, Ellis and Hock

are extremely good. It is it better performance than last week Against

a better team. An interesting approach from England as well

compared to Australia and New Zealand. The Australians and the

Kiwis have taken a decision not to get involved in the Test series

this year as they want their players to be refreshed ahead of

the World Cup. England have decided they want this process. Who will

event and -- New Zealand and Australian Rugby League. They want

the players to be refreshed and ready to go for a big season and

come here for the World Cup. It was strategic and obviously it a mental

and player welfare decision. It might be good for England because

it will give them confidence and continuity. One of two of the

players are not involved for various reasons. They are the big

hitters and almost certainly will be involved next year. It has given

some young, fringe players the chance to make a mark, hasn't it?

is doing in the ruck. We can see the elbow being put in

by cot macro. That is the dark side of his game, isn't it? Undoubtedly

a real talent and fantastically physical and a good reader of the

game, but he has that issue as well, doesn't he? A lack of discipline at

times. There are nine minutes to go and he silk -- still has that same

intensity of will to dominate the player in front of him and that is

in earlier and now he is on the end of them. A try for France! Bentley

has managed to drag himself over the line. The referee does not need

a second opinion. His finger points. It is a France tried. Very late,

and in the context of the game, meaningless. But, in the context on

-- of the tournament, maybe something to lift their heads for

next week. He had a player on the inside and outside, and it was man

on man. They had to make the tackle, England. I like the offload. He

really fought hard to get it down. It may be a lesson learned for next

week. The passing game is dominated round of applause of there, plenty

of encouragement. There is a glimmer of hope here. A big hit is

great. But Ellis had to come in and make the tackle. A big hit is great,

but you still need to stop the ball. It hasn't been through lack of

intensity or trying, it is lack of execution. If they can improve on

this for next week, the French... England are heavy favourites to win

it and they will remain so going into the final. At the very last,

the French providing a bit of into his own area. That was a bit

won from international games. I like the way the England players

drag himself through, desperate to get a hat-trick, which Ian

predicted. What about the man of the Match? Well, we went for Kevin

Sinfield last week. I was really impressed with the England forwards

this week. Mossop, Ellis and Hock. We have spoken a lot about Hock and

I have appreciated his intensity. Whenever he has touched the ball,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

month to tell Hock he has won man player around the neck. That is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

flourish here. Maybe they can make a hat-trick! As good a pass as he

has had all afternoon, but it came from a Frenchman. And it is England

to celebrate. Watkins with a hat- It was a lead up with a good play

by Hock. And a really good clinic his time. Six out of a today.

England lead. Time is ticking by. And, in fact, we were not even get

a restart. The final act of the game. Kallum Watkins claiming his

hat-trick, and the very last England when. Your thoughts.

big thing for the French his challenges. Challenges also to

improve their game, the use of their worlds and physicality.

Defensively, England were good What was your verdict? Are a little

bit scruffy to regain. Defensively, outstanding. Offensively, a little

lack of discipline. Do you give credit to the French? We were

expecting a very tough game. They are very committed. We did a very

good job on defence. Every a focus for next week. Gareth Hock, man of

the match. A good chat? Yes, very talented. And soften a few of the

others, certainly, a strong weapon to strop -- stop. And a hat-trick

for old Kallum Watkins. Yes, an outstanding young man. You only get

better and better. There are flickers with us. Congratulations!

Man of the match. What was your verdict on the match. A tough game.

The French through a hard game at us. Other areas for improvement?

had a lot of drop goals. You have been linked win Bint -- moved to

Australia. There are rumours, but nothing happening yet. What your

thoughts about next week? They will be up for it again. We were trained

hard this week. Well done, Gareth. Sam Tomkins is with us. Was a

harder than you expected? Comfortable in the end, but Tuffin

patches. At nothing we did not expect. We knew the French were a

tough side, a physical side. The result against Wales, they did not

win by too many, but that was not a fair reflection on the quality of

the side. Are you aware you are now England's top try-scorer? Yes,

somebody mention it before the game. An awful lot of competition among

us to the England squad. It is great for the team. There is

competition every position. If you have competition in place, you can

put a quality team out every week. Well done, Sam. Kane Bentley is

here. Well done. What did you make of the French but the omens? We did

a lot of mistakes. We need to continue working hard, more support.

What about next week? We have got to work harder during this week.

Work harder for next gain. As you go to the World Cup, where are

France? Hopefully, the top! We Gareth Hock's eyes was saying

Loads of sport to come across the Lewis Hamilton on pole for the

Grand Prix. Newcastle-Liverpool for The interesting, hearing from Steve

McNamara. Because of the nature of the opposition, you have to look

for negatives rather than accentuate the positive so.

were very strong defensively. They were strong physically, made it a

difficult game for the French. He is it really happy with that side.

Execution becomes difficult for a number of reasons - you have got to

get to the opposition's level. It made it quite scruffy in relation

to a fence for both teams. The positive so for Steve - the defence

were good. 22 tries they England in the two games so far against France

and Wales, conceded three, scored eight today, yet 13 areas. Steve

McNamara will be talking to the team about that this week. What

could we have done better? If they had followed on, when they played

against a Wales, they went forward hard. Them they played at the back

of that. A couple of times, they dominated the middle of the ruck.

That caused it those areas. Tomkins, Watkins, Hock. All decent

performances. England have to do something similar but cut the air