France v Wales Rugby League Autumn Internationals

This is good from Wales. They should be a try. Blockbusting run.

A score again. He scores! What a He has gone in. The try is scored.

That is the scene in Lens right now for the start of the autumn

internationals and the start of four weekends of international

rugby league on the BBC. It kicks off today with France against Wales,

England make their debut at next week. And this is how it all pans

out over the next four weeks. Today it is France against Wales. Next

week, we are in Wrexham for Wales against England and on 3rd November,

we will be watching England versus France. We have left it blank, but

on November 11th, it is the final, at the Salford City stadium.

Good afternoon. Delighted to say I am joined by the England coach, Ian

It is the three best teams in the northern hemisphere as we cannot

pass currently stand. The trophy is what we are all competing for. The

best team in the northern hemisphere. As well as preparing

for that trophy, we all have one eye on next year's World Cup. It is

12 months away now. It is the most important competition in rugby

league. This Friday, it will be one year until the start of the World

Cup. You would have loved to have been involved in this. But injury

and operations means that is not possible. The best preparation for

the World Cup next year is to have a couple of operations. I have got

them out of the way and hopefully I will be fit enough. Again, it

should be an interesting competition. It is all about

performances and I am looking forward to it. We are all looking

forward to it. The first autumn international is France against

France head into this series under the stewardship of the 34-year-old

who made five appearances for Catalans Dragons during the 2006

campaign. He took up the reins from English and Bobbie Goulding. It is

the present Catalans Dragons side that dominate the French squad. And

with the likes of Bosc and Elima, France Pawsey real threat.

Wales are cold poached by a Iestyn Harris. -- coached. He represented

his country 43 times. He will be hoping to mastermind the

start of a new golden generation. Geordan James and Craig did cock --

Elima part of 13 Catalans Dragons that Tarin this squad today for the

French. Less experience in the This must be kind of a dream, Steve,

for an international coach, to have so many players from one club in

the squad. Yes, I think the French team predominate be made up from

the Catalans Dragons -- predominately. It makes it easier

for them. The familiarity is there. They Dee -- do-it- week in week out.

It will be probably the most cohesive team from day one.

often hereof international coaches wanting to create a club atmosphere.

It is already there for them. the players all know each other. If

they can just fit straight into that system that they already know

and already play, it will go a long way and you would expect them to be

far superior to Wales simply because they play week in week out

together. What are you wanting from the Welsh? Nine of that squad with

Super League experience. What will West -- Iestyn Harris want from

this tournament? It is the opportunity that this will give

these young players. In international tournaments,

sometimes you think the players are ready. Sometimes you think they are

ready and you are forced to play them. Some players are made for

international rugby league. Some players are just not. He got a lot

from the last year's tournament. I think he will learn a lot more this

year from some of his young outside backs. Let's get the thoughts from

the coaches. How lucky we your forwards be? The French forwards

are a big lot. We have some big boys as well. We have some players

that play at a good level, good intensity, in and around that

middle part of the field. It is going to be key. Setting that

platform in the game will be key. You set the platform and you allow

yourself to get that in early momentum in the game. Rugby League

is all about momentum. But certainly, creating that is in an

an and hands. -- creating that is in our hands.

It is normal to use a lot of Catalans Dragons players. It is the

only French professional team. It is normal. It is natural. We have a

lot of people from his club. Looking at the tournament as a

whole, this is the big game. Win this and you could find yourself in

the final. You could say that but what today is about his settings

and standards. The week has been about setting standards for

ourselves. The players fully know what our standards are and if they

live up to them standards, we will be OK today. We can grow in

confidence. Improve a little next week. See what happens against

England. It is a good test for us today. We are playing in Lens. It

is a good track -- test for us. We are looking towards the next World

Cup. We will work to gauge - today with young players. We want to see

them in a tough match. You what bringing rugby League Two or

another audience. Yes, Lens, all is new. We one day win at the best

level in France. -- we want Islwyn. We want to keep going. It is very

exciting. Good luck. Thank you. first question was about the French

forwards. Let's look at one of them. Let's take a look at Casty. He is

one of those players that has stood out all season. He is a very

months. He has gone from being a very powerful player to being a

very powerful man over longer periods of time. He is not the

tallest man in the competition and his lack of height enhances his

powerful attributes. He is very difficult close to the line. Wales

will be looking to their captain for some inspiration in northern

France, Craig Kopczak. Yes, he is another player that has come on

leaps and bounds in recent years. He is getting better as a youngster.

He has played a few games but now he is playing all the time and

being given the captaincy is a massive thing for him. Also, he has

been linked with Huddersfield. I would love to play alongside him.

Yes, he goes into this game without a club, or having been released by

He had a great tournament last year, particularly against Australia. He

was very physical. It is great to see a young player that has

probably done it the right way, in the right order, and been in the

front row, he is only 25 years of age and a lot of rugby league in

front of him. We are not giving any secrets away. It is not a case of

him being in the shop window. There are teams that are wanting him.

Bradford would love to keep him. Huddersfield would love to get him.

There are other clubs in the competition if they have the space

that would like to Crick -- fitting into the squad. He has some issues

that need to be sorted out, sooner rather than later. Let's look at

one of the players that will be pulling the strings for the French

this afternoon, Bosc. Another one of those players you have to

watch out for. A great kicking game. He will throw dummy's and go for it

himself. He is definitely one to look out for. Great kicking game.

He will play to some structure at some times but his real threat is

off the cuff. His instinct as a natural rugby league player. Again,

he has had a difficult season. Not been a regular all the time. He has

been moved from certain positions. In his favourite position this week.

He will be the goal to play for the see it -- she a physicality of

his friends sized. -- the French size. It is not just about size, it

is the natural aggression. The French always sure that. They

always come out and try and absolutely Neil straight away. They

let you know that you want any game this game? I am, but to clear the

start of the game. The French are a very proud nation. -- particularly

at the start of the game. The main strength of this Welsh game is in

the middle of the park. We will get the thoughts of you during the

course of the first half but let's join the commentary team for now.

Brian Noble has been practising his in end from it -- and familiar

territory. Today we Abi Stade plant the seeds for the development

of rugby league in these parts. The long-term aim is to establish 18 in

northern France. The game is at its strongest in the south of his

country. Represented by Perpignan in the Super League but also so

many towns and cities down there as well. But Northern France gets its

first taste of rugby league today for some time. We will now stand

for the anthems on the first will be the Welsh anthem.

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi.

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri.

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad.

# Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed. # Gwlad, gwlad.

# Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad. # Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau.

spirits on a grey and drizzly French afternoon. You rather

suspect this next anthem will be sung with more gusto.

# Allons enfants de la Patrie. # Le jour de gloire est arrive!

# Contre nous de la tyrannie. # L'etendard sanglant est leve.

# L'etendard sanglant est leve! # Entendez-vous dans les campagnes.

# Mugir ces feroces soldats. # Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras.

# Egorger vos fils et vos compagnes!

# Aux armes, citoyens. # Formez vos bataillons.

# Marchons, marchons! # Qu'un sang impur.

looks today. Wigan's growing influence on Welsh rugby league is

reflected by the inclusion of Ben Flower, Rhodri Lloyd and a Rhys

Pugsley who is on the bench. They all play for a Wigan team. A little

bit of experimentation going on with Iestyn Harris's side. As far

as the French are concerned, a Catalan flavour to their team. 11

of the starting 13 have all played for that side of this season and

off that you that haven't, Olivier Elima has signed for next season

from a Bradford. It is a very big and tasty pack they put out as ever.

But you have got to say, he is not a bad looking Welsh pack here today

either. I think it is going to be a super Dirk clash. I think the Welsh

are a little bit under the radar. They have looked really well in

practice and I spoke to Iestyn Harris beforehand and they are

really confident in what they have got to do. But they are really

facing a huge French team. So it is the French who have made the early

mistake. They knock on again amongst the ruck by a Olivier Elima.

The referee deciding it was not stolen throw a defensive win here

for the Welsh half because they should get the ball back hear from

the scrum and a chance, 40 metres away from that French try-line, if

to have a real go. How good are these backs? This is Mike Channing

who plays for the London Broncos this season. A couple of years ago

he had never played rugby league. Ben Evans. He is the brother of the

Warrington twins. That has gone backwards, the referee says off a

French hand so that will be another set of six. It is Neil Budworth at

a dummy half. Now Rhodri Lloyd. He is from South Wales originally.

Jones flicking it back and they Jack is found by David James. What

a start! The referee has referred this to the video referee. He will

take a look as to whether David James has caught this try

legitimately. I think it is a fair try. I think it is a great star. A

few opportunities given to her early following the knock-on by

Olivier Elima. Danny Jones out of the back. Lovely play from Matt

Seamark and then he is straight through. I think it is a poor

region. He comes in on the player. If somebody is obstructing somebody

else and then they can be called off but I think it was a poor Reid

which makes it a legitimate try in my mind. They made the port

decision which gave James the clear run in. The French, providing us

with this broadcast, making short has we go through this replay once

again. It certainly seems as though David James, the South Wales

Scorpions fullback, has scored the game's first drive. -- first try.

The referee has been given the message on the field. He points to

the spot where the ball was grounded and wales do have their

opening drive. -- Wales have their opening drive. Great execution of

the play, you have got to say. We have seen these players week in

week out, and Iestyn Harris has brought that structure to the Welsh

team, and it is okay putting that structure in place off but you have

got to execute the play as well. Matt Seamark and Danny Jones

stepping into Six and seven. Matt Seamark plays his rugby league in

Australia. He has got the chance to add the points. Wales get a few

pretty much the perfect start. -- Wales have got off to a perfect

start. That will give them real confidence. Eight is fabulous

execution. David James has got an offer. We are going to see a

response from them, of that there is no doubt. Wales will have to

ride the storm here as the French try to bring the ball away from

their line. A chance now for another driving run. Neil Budworth

again. This is Gil Dudson. You talk about the size of the French team

but the Welsh team Barry they seem as well. Ben Flower, Gil Dudson. It

is a bit of a clash of the titans. And this is a big game because, in

the real world, the winger of this game will probably go on to me, we

presume because of their strength, England in the final, but these

teams could have something to say Thomas Bosc. Elliot Kear is back

there. He looks to get possession safely enough. That is a Geeson --

decent chase from the French. good to see Elliot Kear back on the

field. He has been injured. He was showing huge promise and it is

absolutely fabulous to see him. Massam. It will be a bittersweet

celebration of a Thatcherite by David James because I know a lot of

the North Wales Crusaders had put money on someone else are scoring

could might it be? It has gone backwards. It will the six tackles.

Mike Channing with the little kick. A little bit of desperation

involved. A good finish in the end by Wales because France are only

five yards from their own line. They did get good field position

and the French have got to start from one of the corners. Wales have

got to show how figure as they can be in defence. Gil Dudson has made

a huge star for them. That is a penalty. Hanging on too long. A

chance for France to get outside their own France -- half. This will

be the first real test of the Welsh defence. Let's see what France have

got to offer in attack. Tackled 10 ball on the inside. It is taken on

by a Cyril Stacul but a forward pass when the try-line was

absolutely begging. The French fans are celebrating what they still

think is a try. They are not entirely sure what is going on. But

it is a forward pass. Cyril Stacul releases them and he just has to

give a good pass there that is borderline forward. Cyril Stacul is

in the right place, he guessed the to play this international series

but he owns a vineyards and by all accounts it is a busy time of year.

That was a big hitter. Neil Budworth. Matt Seamark with the

kick away. Taken well by Cyril Stacul. He has got support that he

has gone the other way. It is an ambitious task. Christian Roets

came flying out of the line to make a connection but he did not quite

get there. He straightened up on the tackle there. Kevin Larroyer. I

think we have seen in the last few minutes what the French are capable

of. Thomas Bosc back inside to Olivier Elima. The offload is good.

It is William Barthau at any half this time. Thomas Bosc is with him

and they have got momentum here. His momentum almost tracks him

through. Thomas Bosc will put their kicking. He only needed to be

caught but he did not get there, but defender got there first. A

crunching effort has denied a certain try. Thomas Bosc was this

on any 6p you want. All he has got to do is catch the ball. But Rob

Massam has different ideas and gives him a good pounding and he

drops the ball in the process. He did not quite have control of the

ball. He dropped it just before he got there. He is a big boy, Rob

Massam. What is he doing playing on the wing? He is a fitness

instructor. He has been having a good season with the North Wales

Crusaders. But it has been lost. France have got it back. Thomas

Bosc, not too many options on his outside. Here is Tony Gigot. That

is take a smartly by Tony Gigot because he was under pressure from

Matt Seamark. Thomas Bosc. William Barthau. Thomas Bosc again. They

are looking for a weakness if they can find one. They are looking for

the width and they have found the width this time. It is back inside

to Antoni Maria. The Welsh are desperate at the moment. Cyril

the drop out. The French are really dangerous. A couple of tries that

should have been that were not. Looking very threatening. The Welsh

need to bide their time. This is a huge set of six. Early signs of

encouragement for both sides. It is very much a transitional side,

World Cup 12 months away. Teams are building for that. An experimental

afternoon in Lens in northern France. They have come out in

over there. He heard himself then. -- hurt himself. Maria certainly

felt that from Christiaan Roets. He will not be able to continue.

has had his problems with injury this year. That certainly tested in.

We have seen three of four already. -- or four. There is plenty of

pride and heritage out there. Christiaan Roets tried to belt the

life out of Maria. He has had his teeth rattled! Both sides look

mindful to make changes. That was a good tackle. He forces the error.

That saved the Welsh from another set of six. He is OK. He is going

to carry on. This is a matter of changing the jersey. I think there

is a bit of blood on it. Swap events. -- Ben Evans. His brother

has opted to play for England. But Ben Evans has aligned himself with

the Welsh squad. It is Jones again. It is a deep in goal. They will

have to be careful. Pala watching it out of play. That it is probably

10 metres too long. He needs to drop the ball on the frontline and

give his chasers the encouragement from him. That finds touch safely

enough. It is a tactical kicks that puts the Welsh back on their heels.

They will almost certainly get possession from this set but some

hard yards to do to clear their lines before they hand the bat --

performance in Welsh -- performance is not to give them any free ball

on this part of the field. Get out of your own half as best as you can

with at least -- the least amount of errors as you can. Restrict the

French territory. The longer be game goes with the Welsh in the

game, the more energy they will get themselves away, if they can.

Going through the tackles at the moment. Eventually, the kick from

Matt Seamark. It has not gone out of play. It is Stacul who picks up.

He has dropped the ball there. That is another big bonus for the Welsh

team. Stacul dropped back. He will be disappointed with that. This is

the mistake from Stacul. The Welsh put-in to ground. It is a

legitimate tackle and he drops the ball. The last time they did that,

Elima in the opening couple of minutes, it led to a Welsh try. Can

Wales prosper from this position again? Jones looking to being on

picks up. He is making that French defence work a little harder.

Number 18 is Barthau. He is the one tackles left in this set. It is

Neil Budworth. Running out of Seamark threading it through a well

-- again. It is well-defended. They have forced the drop out underneath

the sticks. Wales should get the ball back. That is the point I was

making on the previous kick from Jones. That is much better from

Matt Seamark. The next best result after a try is getting the back to

back set. The French have to drop the ball out from under their own

sticks. Barthau will take his time. He knows that his French team need

to get some energy back in the 18th Budworth. It is Mike Channing. He

will take over at dummy-half. They just overran it. There was an

obstruction and then as well. lets the pressure off the French

team. You have to teach your opportunities and build the

pressure against this French team. Make the news and energy and jeans.

-- make them use some energy and What are your thoughts on the

opening 18 minutes? Very interesting watching the Welsh

structure. They have not been up that end of the field very often

but they have fallen into the Wigan tight shape. He seems to be running

them very well at the moment and they are looking a big threat at

that end of the field. The French are offering the threat at this

moment with Bosc. He pops on to Elima. The French defence needs to

work hard. Under pressure again. Twice the French have come close.

Twice denied. The Welsh defence again looking short numbered on

that side. They desperately got across to close the gap. This is

Bosc with the kick and the chase. Just bundled behind his line by

David James. He had no other choice. Great finish. Good chase from the

French team. Plenty of energy. Let's see if they can take

minutes played. We thought it would be pretty tight today. The French

women in Wrexham in June in a friendly international but not by

played in France, the Welsh one with the last kick of the game.

They have had some real battles over the last couple of years.

Mounis is the man at dummy-half. That Paul has been dropped. -- ball.

Neither take -- neither team are taking advantage. The back row was

not expecting the ball. Another opportunity fluffed by the French,

kick by Matt Seamark. Soubeyras is on his heels. He would have to get

out of his own in-goal area. France starting again from deep inside

their own half. Larroyer not making much of an impact. If they can keep

Ms year, the Welsh, they are doing a decent job. That is the tackle on

Maria. Three tackles gone already. The French desperately looking for

something big. They just get what they need. It is a high tackle. It

is a penalty. The Welsh will be really disappointed with that. They

kept them within the 20 metres. James tried to Watkin round the

melon. His coconut will be really sore after that. Obviously, a high

scoreline, Wales leading by six points, the try in the opening two

minutes, scored by David James. The conversion added by Matt Seamark.

The French have come close a couple of times since. Denied by the video

referee on one occasion and the judgment of a forward pass on

another. But they have tested this Welsh line, as they look to do

again. Bosc back to Stacul. Good tackle and a good decision. They

had to come in and make at play. -- of that. That is kicked straight

into the hands of David James. Just like his namesake from being world

call from his team-mate. Both teams are looking to get into each other.

We have seen some big effort from both sides. This is Dan Fleming,

fresh from the bench. He has from Castleford. A lot of these players

are on the fringes of their Super barriers on the touchline. I cannot

believe that they are not still watch it -- still playing.

teams look dangerous. They have managed to get over the line. When

it has happened, I think we will see plenty of points in this game.

There is a strange atmosphere as well at the Stade Felix-Bollaert.

It is very much an experiment, bringing this game here to northern

France where rugby league is far from a familiar sport. You would

say the vast majority of people here are watching rugby league for

the first time that a close and live. Thomas Bosc looking for the

inside ball. The chase not as vigorous as it might have been.

That is how the referee judges it. They will be pleased with that, the

French. They can't quite open the Welsh defence yet, but this extra

set of six, they have a look dangerous in various parts of the

field but they are not quite find in the final piece of the jigsaw

the French. They emerge towards the 20 metre mark with only two tackles

gone. Thomas Bosc with the inside ball, not for the first time today.

The referee decided it was a forward pass. I think he has got a

call from the touch judge there. I think he is saying that pass from

Thomas Bosc to Cyril Stacul was forward. He is saying that one is

forward. That is a really difficult skill to try and complete. You have

really got to turn your upper body around, otherwise it is suggesting

to the officials that it is forward. There is probably a case to remain

opening 26 minutes. They started brightly and they have held their

own since. They are looking now to make progress than field with Neil

Budworth at dummy-half. Rhodri for you, 54 per cent possession the

French have had. Territorially, the French are dominating that as well.

55 per cent. But they have made more mistakes. That is the balance

of things. Here is Thomas Bosc. the big men. Remi Casty with the

surge. They are looking to the wing. That left hand side Welsh defence

have handled the fret really well. At times they look wide open but

they managed to get over there and close it down. This is spinning

away. The try by Mike Channing is forgivable and they get the luck of

the bounce. -- trot. For anyone who is new to rugby league, those

spiral kicks move a lot in the air and they are really difficult to

adjudicate how to catch. The French deemed guilty of a high tackle here.

Lifting his leg off the floor, I think that was a close call as well.

Matt Seamark did not get within three metres of that ball. Very

difficult to catch. The penalty takes Wales to just about on the

not stop them dragging him out of play. The French handle that

particular play really well. Every time they pass was made, their

defender moved on and released the next defender in the line. They

managed to get three or four defenders on the end there. Rob

Massam was not going to be staying in the field of play. Really good

French defence. Good decision- making in relation to their defence.

with well enough by those Welsh defenders. Thomas Bosc again.

Mathieu Griffi has come on from the bench. His last try for France was

against Wales, earlier this year, and here he is again, the prop

forward. Showing a little bit of athleticism and could fall handling

as well. They still have it. Mike Channing has been left on the floor

but then it is dropped. It has gone backwards so they are allowed to

play on. Here is Mathias Pala. In the meantime, if Mike Channing is

down injured. He's going to cause an obstruction if the ball is going

to come back this way. He's being treated on the field. Those

passages of play seem to have ignited the enthusiasm of the

French supporters. A big miss pass took three of the French players

out and they just needed to put it through the hands to score. There

were only two defenders. Is it Mike Channing who is injured? It is. A

London Broncos player. He really started to emerge this season.

Eight appearances for the Broncos. He had only played regularly for

the very first time two years ago having started in a rugby union

with London Irish and Harlequins. He is slowly to his feet. Our

French colleagues are not showing this at the moment but Mike

Channing is slowly to his feet and will rejoin the defensive line at

its furthest fringe. I am sure the French will try to attack him here.

Indeed they do. Well handled by the Welsh. Here comes the final tackle.

Thomas Bosc with a kick again. It is superbly taken earth. The French

have got their first try. Tudor light around the stadium. Finally

the French have broken their duck. The chase the ball as if his life

depended on it. Thomas Bosc's kicking game is unbelievably good

at times and ball he had to do was field the ball. They are all happy.

A great score from the French. have got to say it was coming.

can tell how much these games mean to these players because of the way

they celebrate when they score. He was smothered by his team-mates

there. If Thomas Bosc was this over, and you rather expect he will put

this over, it will be levelled. think the French have looked the

more dangerous team, I have got to say. They have managed to look less

to the poor little bit better. -- look after the ball a little bit

terrific skill to possess. He is a little bit like threading a needle.

There are bodies and legs in the way. And that is complemented by a

chase by two or three French players. The hosts are in the way

as well so it is very difficult for a defender to clean that up. A

great tactic. The French are now fired and enthused. He has litter

the crowd with his running style. - - Lyth at. He looks really

he is looking for a 40-20. And he has a. Excellent. If you kick from

inside your own 40 metres, which she clearly does there, and the

ball bounces in field and goes out inside the 20 metres of the

opponents, Defence, he becomes your feet at the scrum so you are pretty

much guaranteed of the ball. -- At opponents's defence. The stadium

announcer telling the crowd to get behind their players here because

they have an excellent opportunity. Thomas Bosc helps it on, good hands

from him, to Cyril Stacul. Excellent for work. -- foot work.

Olivier Elima showing good balance. The ball is back on the inside.

There is a feeling here that French have got momentum on this side.

Thomas Bosc again. Look how he strides elegantly into that line.

They have still got three tackles to go here as well. This is Thomas

Bosc again. Runners life -- runners right and left and they get over

the line. That is the second French try, four minutes after their first.

The momentum of the game is all going their way. Put this right

down to Thomas Bosc. He has run the show. A clinical passing game and a

clinical kicking game. Cyril Stacul gets the better of Mike Channing.

He just has to finish the score off. The French are looking at it

ominous at the moment. They have got their Motor working right now.

They are looking after the ball a little bit better. When you have

got such prowess and such good off loading skills, it really takes its

toll on the Welsh defence. They're going to have too much defending to

do because the French are looking after the ball better. But the

Welsh are not out of this by any means. They have shown great desire

in defence. That was a one-on-one. This structure is good. Off they

just have to come up with a few slides it between the uprights and

France lead by 12 points to six as half-time rooms, just over three

minutes away. That is Stacul. Mike Channing needs to make up a. He did

not get any help from the inside. He would have expected that. Matt

Seamark was expecting some help ago. He was on the ground for a

players like that, stop me. This is another big fellow. He is playing

in the centres these days. But Barthau has found a way through the

blind side. He denies the pass, delays the inevitable. It was Bosc?

Has been the heartbeat of this French side in the first half.

Three tries in the blink of an eye. The French in total control now.

Baitieri to Bosc. He has had a splendid last five minutes. Inside

support. Outside support as well. He takes the chance on the

intercept which does not come off. This is what the French team can do.

The French -- the Welsh are creaking a little bit now. They

need half-time. But the French team can do this to you what the best of

up, Bosc. Two kicks and a try already. He has had a big

involvement in the other two tries as well. He just seems to have come

to life in this last 10 minutes. And recently delivered between the

uprights again. Three out of three for Bosc. Just over a minute of

this first half remaining. A reminder of the flair that the

French are capable of. Yes, Barthau caused the damage. A little bit of

laziness and sloppy defence has opened the door for the French was

see coming running at you. The big prop forward although all that

energy and enthusiasm. It takes so much juice out of you. Constant

defence. It is so draining. It takes its toll. It is non-stop.

manufactured a great kick. It is kicked away this time from

Barthau. It is chased by David James. The half-time siren sounds.

It is a siren that has many looking for the skies, never mind the

dressing rooms! But it is half-time. It has been a French half. They

have delivered and packed a French. was! It has been tight, it has been

tougher. The Welsh got off to a great start with that David James

try. The French wasted so many opportunities but kicked into

action in that last 10 minutes with three tries consecutively really.

Wales struggling to get the ball back. Bosc absolutely influential.

We can get the view from the Welsh The Welsh team seemed to get a

little tired towards the end. He defended a full summer tour that

half. Exactly. If you give them the ball, you will end up doing a lot

of work. The boys did get a bit tired. They have had a real go.

That is what we are all about, we have to play with passion. We need

some more field position and we will schools are more points.

are screaming on the touchline, running at up and down. Why are you

not playing? It is not about this year, it is about the next World

Cup. Unfortunately, I will not be there. It is good to be involved in

the coaching. Give them some pearls statistics from the first half. The

French-made seven errors. We thought that would be crucial. That

last 10 minutes, they increased the amount of possession and territory.

Steve, and will that last 10 minutes, the Welsh had much more

possession but then they could not Up until that point, they were

competing very hard. France were struggling to make any real inroads.

They bombed a couple of good chances. But the introduction of

the substitutes on the bench. At international level, you will not

get too many penalties. You need to create momentum. Those players did

that for France. But for that half hour, the Welsh were standing firm.

They were forcing the French into errors. They have to take the

positive from as that. Definitely. It did not work very well for the

French. They were playing into the Welsh hands and just running into

the guts of them with no support and making it easier for the Wells.

They were running with numbers. It was a contrast and really good to

see. But after giving away a couple of tries, they got a little unlucky.

I think that is when the French took hold of the game. The Welsh

got off to a great start but it came from a French error. It did.

They were probably looking for a penalty at this stage. Wales with

the possession. Clinical play. Obviously, a training ground mode

that has come off to perfection. -- move. Yes, it is Wigan. It is

Iestyn Harris's influence. That is what happened. Be French got sucked

in. The ball was placed perfectly on a plate. When we look at these

French errors, do you give Wales some of the credit for creating...

Forcing the French into these areas? I think it is mostly down to

the French making the wrong decisions. But what you can say is

your Welsh went right to the end and tried as hard as the could.

That is a very good sign. If they will put in those last ditch

efforts when you think it will not make a difference, like that tackle,

he has already dropped the ball by the time he gets to him. He sees in

in the corner of his eye. thought he was going to get

clattered! I think Mrs -- I think this is some of these players not

playing for a couple of weeks. They have been out of the domestic

competition for the couple of weeks now. This is the back end of this.

There combinations as the game has continued have started to improve.

Wales deserve a lot of credit and they hunted in numbers and got in

the way and prevented France walking through. But they have

given away too much fuel position. The French have improved their

standard of skill. I wonder what is being said in the French dressing

room. But the moment, I am sure one of the words will be

congratulations. This is box-office. Yes, that is an interesting way of

putting it. His first touch, he dropped it straight away. And then

he is scoring a try. It is very fortunate. But it is a great finish

in the end. Unfortunately, the French, their weakness instructor

is also their strength. They are sold off the cuff. Bashed in

His kicking transform the French team in that last 10 minutes.

did. They have scored the try. They have got pretty good yardage. They

have got them at the right end of the field. They executed a pretty

simple play. It is a bit of a soft try and Wales will be disappointed

with that. But they had been put in that position. He is a good player,

he has taken time to get into the game. He is now showing his worth.

Is he trying to do too much? Yes, possibly, because he is such an

off-the-cuff player. If he gets the ball all the time, he gets more

comfortable and realises what the defence are doing. At first, he was

throwing inside balls. It's sort of worked a bit but he did not give

the guys outside him a chance. He has started looking at other people,

hitting people on lines and his kicking game was just fantastic.

England start next week in this tournament. As part of their

preparations, they have had a ten- day trip -- training camp in South

African. We caught up with them and their newly named captain fresh

from Reading v Rhinos to a record 6th Grand Final triumph just a week

It is another Grand Final win for Leeds Rhinos. We need to talk about

him. Another extraordinary performance. I had done a decent

the British are bad -- at Leeds. It is a new challenge for me. --

apprenticeship. It will be fantastic coming into why an

England team like this. A bit of It is someone we all look up to. He

was someone I tried to emulate. He has not changed at all. He will be

a fantastic leader. There are so many good leaders in the team

already. To be involved in the squad, at this stage, I think you

have to be a leader of some sort. have some pretty big shoes to fill.

It is getting the squad together. Focusing on the World Cup in the

next year. I think this will be key in our preparations to get away

from England and the cold weather. Get some practice and Spence and

time with each other. This is the highest level you can represent

your country at. It is a proud, to be picked. I'm enjoying it at the

moment. The weather has been fantastic. The lads have delivered

really well. The training is pretty We are in South Africa, what better

place to go on safari? I am keeping my distance. It is good to go away

as a team and come to someone like this. -- some place like this.

That pool of players is getting bigger and bigger every year but

also the level and the Standard the players have got to reach. The Bar

has been raised. Hopefully we will be successful with it.

It is a bit like rugby league meets Madagascar. Why South Africa?

want to give our players the very best opportunity to prepare to win.

It is never a guarantee that we want to give them every chance of

being successful at international level. We need to put our players

under as much pressure as we possibly can every time we get

together as an England group. We went at altitude, it was warm

weather, we practised intensely, and we feel the combination of all

that will give us the opportunity not only to win this trophy that to

move on to the World Cup next year and a try to take that one out as

well. Does training at altitude may give that little bit harder? These

players are at the end of a very hard season so they can be slightly

jaded. How do we get those players in the best possible shape to

perform at international level? We have got some very good staff, had

some very intelligent people who have worked on a plan and put it

together. We what a try it this year and see whether it works.

if it works, it is something you will look to repeat the around this

time next year before the World Cup? We think he will be beneficial.

We might need to treat it, off we might need to change things

dramatically, but we feel it is the best preparation for us this year.

I know Kevin sin field was the number one choice as captain and he

said that this sport is full of leaders but he is one inspirational

bloke. He is inspirational simply because of how professional he is,

as well as a great bloke, a great leader and someone you can talk to.

You naturally see him as a captain. Every player does that and I am

sure he is the obvious choice. we look at your squad, it is a

scornful of leaders but also we squat and it's very strong,

particularly when you consider the players that are not there at the

moment. There is some leadership in there but there is a real

progression. A lot of players have come into the squad and they need

to prepare. We will have a strong squad to choose from by the time

the World Cup comes around. And it is simple and those players get

themselves ready, get those operations out of the way. We don't

want anybody going into next season needing an operation. We want them

fit and able, having a good pre- season, in order to have the best

season they can and enabling us to get ready next year. Let's see how

They pose that Ciaron again in the background. How good is this Welsh

response going to be at the start of this second half? Three tries in

the nine minutes before the race caught by the French has put them

in a dominant position here. -- before the break. Thomas Bosc was

running the game before half-time break. His kicking, his running,

his passing. I think it is fair to say we have not seen Wales trouble

the French line too often. That is something there could have to do as

soon as possible. They have been well structured. But the French

found that last 15 minutes of quality to get the ball and when

they have got that kind of momentum, Wales did not touch the ball so it

is difficult to do anything about it. They have got to respect the

ball a little bit more in this second half and try and kick a

little bit better and Chasetown and forced the French into some areas

and get field position that way. -- as it was Victor ahead -- pitched

to finish this came off early in the second half, getting over the

gain line to score. That was an untidy from Eloi Pelissier. He

knocked it on when try to pick it up. The advantage given to the

French has been given away. thought that would be a penalty.

are doing some questioning of this referee already. Why not? Put them

under pressure, I say. Wales will play England next week in Wrexham

and a week later England Gray France -- England play France. And

then the final of the tournament in Salford on November 11th. You can

see all those matches on the BBC. As we heard at half-time, it is all

about next year's World Cup and getting things in place ahead of

that World Cup. This will be a World Cup venue next year. It is

virginal rugby league territory here, it is not really a stronghold

for rugby league, and therefore it is not a bad crowd that has turned

up. It is a decent kicker and look at the Arms. It was either play on

Warwick penalty because he took the catch out. The French start the

second half probably with a Welsh would like to keep them. They have

got to use a bit of energy and restrict the French. They need to

put pressure on Thomas Bosc or Eloi Pelissier and try to disrupt the

expand here. They are looking to find the Welsh a little bit week on

the outskirts. The overlap was on but there was nobody to catch the

ball. Eloi Pelissier had run on the inside. Victor was there. He had

attracted the winger in and then gone on the outside. Had he been

there, it was a streak score. -- A straight score. Wales again getting

feed at this scrum and needing to takes an advantage if they can.

Still plenty of time to play. 30 minutes of this half remaining. Ben

Evans. He offloads it to Matt Seamark. The signs from the French

are that they are going to be willing to do that for -- a tough

stuff as well. Neil Budworth. Dan Fleming. Danny Jones. David James

is the man waiting outside. Vincent Duport in a no-nonsense mood to

make the tackle. Rob Massam. Danny Jones. Matt Seamark. A little bit

of a run around and it almost came off but it is back in French hands

Thomas Bosc, great play. Good hands from a Vincent Duport. He can't get

the pass away. He's thumbs the ground in utter frustration. He

knew there was a pass on there. Appreciation shown by the home

supporters who appreciated that enterprise. A great ball from

Vincent Duport. But he could not quite right that ball in. He saw

glory there and a similar start to the first half with the French were

creating opportunities and not executing those opportunities. You

sense that the fingernails are from the Welsh, they are just hanging on

in certain parts of the game. they can hang on, it only takes one

moment of magic to turn the Home momentum of the game on its head.

So if the Welsh county hanging on, and maybe somewhere produce the

break that could lift the spirits, who knows? But you would make the

fresh heavy favourites to go on and win this game, and possibly by a

French territory. Danny Jones. It is a little slow so he has got to

find room to get the kick away. That is a good defensive set from

the French. I did not see many short cuts from them so they are

looking to do that have stuff as well which is not great news for

the Welsh. They have got to hang in there and hope the French come up

with a mistake to give them field position. But the French team are

still spending their backs. They are a flamboyant team, they want to

be expansive, who they want to entertain this crowd, but that

might just give Wales a chance the coming together of your screen

between Ben Flower thoughts stock but that was a late tackle and now

they are all, the fists are flying. They are coming from all areas to

have a a short you. And that is the reason why. -- punch or two. A few

grains on a few faces suggests they enjoy that moment. It was certainly

lay but it might have been a bit of an Oscar performance. I hope he is

OK but I think there was an element of him playing for the penalty. But

that incenses the French players. Gil Dudson and Jason Baitieri get

into each other. Ben Flower getting involved as well. But it is all

over now. I think it is William Barthau who is down. I think the

commentators are supposed to say we do not like seeing that kind of

thing in rugby league. Absolutely no one wants to see foul play, it

is ridiculous. That is a penalty every day of the week. I am not

sure it is the latest of late tackles there he could have pulled

up there, Gil Dudson. He has raised his for arm and catches him on the

top part of his chest. After the fund, here comes the retribution.

The referee calling together his to Barthau is all right. I think he

has played for the penalty. Gregory Mounis getting involved. I think it

is Ben Flower who is going full star --. He is asking what for. I

think 10,000 people and to commentators, I think we have got a

fair idea. It was a late challenge. I think they made the right

decision. Gregory Mounis is off as well here. I think it was Gregory

Mounis who ran in to show his objection to Gil Dudson. It is late

and it is a penalty. I'm sure he will be reminded what for by his

hit the deck. Bosc has taken the sensible option, which is to add

the extra points. It works tactically. It also works in terms

of calming things down. It takes the steam out of all the players.

Craig Kopczak will be saying, let's get back to principles and try and

keep the ball deep and restrict the French. Not be distracted. This is

Bosc with the penalty kick. There is a big French Raul. They are

warming to this game of rugby league. They are enjoying what they

are seeing. Their team are leading with 11 minutes of the second half

played. As we mentioned, this is a that long ago. I remember watching

Ryan Giggs scoring a cheeky goal from a quickly-taken free kick.

Will there be some French -- Welsh inspiration drawn from that? The

French at the moment very much on top. That is a big hit by Casty.

just what the Welsh did not need. Truck and trailer. The horse and

cart. I do not know what you call it. He gets rid of Neil Budworth

around the top. It is important they get a quick play-the-ball and

take advantage of it. But this is a penalty and it gives them a good

field position. He very nearly has been coughed up. The Welsh have

a chance of a bit of a relief. They have a chance to get their hands on

the ball. Get yourself into the game, three scores now. At some

stage, they will have to pull the pin on the way they are playing and

be a bit more expansive. But with 27 minutes to go, I do not think it

defending too well. That is a poor decision by Ben Flower. There were

three French jumpers around him. That increased the possibility of

him getting picked off, which he was. 11,628 been here today. Most

of those hoping for a French victory. And most of those enjoying

the position they see their side in at the moment. It is Baitieri.

Duport is just going to be denied. But only just. Some desperate

defending again. And still required. France go knocking on this Welsh

door once again. The little grubber kick his attempted. I think that

was selfish. There were more French the spirit of his team-mates. They

get the penalty. Well done, Wales. Rob Massam diffuses the energy of

the French. Now they have some field position, the Welsh. They

need to start doing something with it. 15 minutes of the second half

played. Yes, they need to score. Their only point so far that try at

the start of the first half. Not much since to celebrate. It is

dropped by Jones. He will be furious with himself. It is hard to

count on things like that. You get yourself back with a penalty and

establish a bit of field position and then drop one cold. Not the

probably ifs -- a stronger defensively in the second half and

they have done with the ball. He was offside. Jones was looking to

get a few points back. The Welsh are getting a little loose now.

They have youth in their team. They are coming up with a couple of

things that are making this in a whole lot tougher than it normally

is. They have to retain that element of discipline. Wales are

being let off the Hook with a pause strongly enough. It is Bosc. Not

quite far enough. Desperate Welsh defence. But as we have said before,

the moment. Stacul cannot find a way through. He has knocked on.

break from Bosc was sublime. If he had passed the ball, I think they

were in. As we pointed out earlier, the errors, the referee is saying

that it has come off a Welsh person. by Baitieri in the midst of on --

team-mates to lift themselves in defence. Although they haven't got

the ball, their name is to limit Wales's yardage to the absolute

minimum. Out they come and Baitieri showing the example that he was

shouting for. He backed himself, gave everybody else a chance. They

are on a mission to keep Wales to the minimum. They have given the

penalty away, such was Derek A to C. the moment, the French. They need

to use the ball a little bit more wisely, the Welsh, than they did

last time. They guessed it -- number 16. It is James. Desperately

trying to keep on play, failing to urged to get on their feet once

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 74 seconds

18 years old today. And we are back Wales who get possession back again.

It was expansive because it had to be. Duport probably should have

manufactured a kick down the side. Wales handle it well in the end.

The opportunity is created because of that element of pressure. It was

Bosc and ended up with Duport. But you have to say, the French are

Seamark. He is caught. It will be a penalty for Wales. A chance to

build. Never really any temptation to go for goal. They will want to

second half. A little bit disappointing, if I am being honest.

The structure seems to have gone out for Wales. That is probably

down to fatigue. The French are still physical and I think that is

the difference at the moment. They seem to be a little bit more

organised. The Welsh looking to prosper. That little fleck had an

half. Key moments for the Welsh. 17 minutes to play. If they are to get

anything out of his game, this is the time when they have to strike.

It is Rhys Pugsley again. This is Neil Budworth waiting patiently. He

looks for his runners. A way it goes to Matt Seamark. The kick to

the corner, well covered by Soubeyras on that far side. But he

does concede the drop out. The Welsh pressure is beginning to grow.

Lovely kick by Matt Seamark. His kicking game has been pretty good.

Jones to Matt Seamark and he is just trying to catch Soubeyras out

of position. He managed to scramble back and get the ball back. Six

more praise for the Welsh, just what they needed. -- plays. This is

a chance for Wales to try and lift themselves again. Gil Dudson with

their voice in this ground at the moment. They are sensing a big

moment. It has been given away. France pick it up and France escape.

dominant. They are creating lots of opportunities. It is a shaky game

to win, this, for either side. England are the heavy favourites to

win this tournament this season. From a Welsh point of view, they

have to play England next week. The French you have the luxury of a

week off before they travel for the game against England at the week

after. I am not sure that is a disadvantage in any way, as long as

they don't pick it you many injuries. They should be in better

shape for next week. England have the task to get up to speed.

referee is looking to see if he can get some kind of interpretation

from the sidelines. It is a penalty to the French. You have got to say

that experiment of bringing the game here has been a successful

star it is a terrific stadium and a good crowd. A lot of French rugby

league fans were complaining about bringing it here because it was so

now have access on a Wheatley basis to rugby league. -- access on a

here. Thomas Bosc. Vincent Duport was syndicate. -- third kick.

was a great kick. I think it is Craig Moss who is on the field now.

That was a great tackle on the for Wales. They should have been

facing six tackles to defend, he instead they should get possession

back from the scrum. He needed to do better than that. This takes the

momentum out of the French attack. It is getting disjointed because

they are not keeping the ball as the Welsh. They are already deep

inside their opponents''s half. They won the battle on the floor.

That gives Neil Budworth the opportunity to create space. Here

comes the last. It is hoisted high. It will go the French way, the ball

having gone backwards according to dummy pass which created an

opportunity. He just threw the Defence enough to give up the hint

of an overlap for an instant. But he has got to come back on the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 74 seconds

Christian Roets, well met by a from the prop forward. Matt Seamark.

He has found half a gap with his terrific foot work. He has shown

real enthusiasm, James. Jones a game, he dribbles it into the in

all areas. -- in-goal area. Matt Seamark has been the go to man in

that part of the field. They're likely replay, don't they? There is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 74 seconds

play. There is Elliot Kear. A remarkable story, Elliot Kear was

in the same class as Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton. That is some

sporting pedigree, isn't it? That is good play. Elliot Kear almost

got on the end of it as well. Elliot Kear is staging of it his

way there, taking four of them on. Reinforcements are arriving quickly.

I think the Welsh took a objection to James being put on his backside.

I think he was the incident before. Elliot Kear did not like that and

threw the ball at him. A little bit of pushing and shoving. James is

still down in the background. is some concern for James because

he is on the pitch inside his own half and he is still having some

treatment and he looked to the rising around as if he was in a

good deal of pain. 30 years. He is a little bit more settled now. --

to restart this game wild James is being treated. -- while James is

being treated. That is the Elliot Kear incident. I think he was angry

because he got pushed in the back but he had not collected the ball.

Thankfully, James is sitting a. We have seen testimony to how tough

rugby league players are in recent weeks. A ruptured testicle in the

grand final. James is as tough as they come, the former Royal Marine.

For him to look as he does at the moment suggests he has taken an

absolute battering. Let's hope he's alright. Thomas Bosc has been voted

man of the match. Did you vote for terrific Voyce. They have enjoyed

what they have seen this afternoon. I am sure they will the that when

the World Cup takes place on this field as well. For a fresh looking

for a a finish and their game they quite a few 1000 of their seats at

the moment celebrating what they thought was a try. I think he then

the stadium announcer thought it was a try as well. It definitely

looks forward. Look where he passes the ball and where it ends there.

It is an interesting phenomenon. Sitting among a crowd why not used

to a particular sport. How they interpret what they see on the

field. This has been one-way play. He is one of those young

Wigan players. -- is put out of play. A lot of South Wales players

now have that halfway through to the Wigan squad. Eight is very

encouraging. Rugby league is still alive and well in Wales. It has

been a tough second half, rather than a flamboyant second half. The

French have shown their Test side. They have only had the one score

from a penalty. We might get another here. He is flying down

that left-hand side. But has he grounded the ball? Thomas Bosc

could see the potential. The question is, has Clement Soubeyras

delivered it? It was a great kicker. He is still moving. If he gets this

town, it is a score. Craig Moss has held enough. He has done a great

job. Fantastic play all round. Pinpoint accuracy again from Thomas

there was an offside in the build penalty to give it. It is such a

had dummy half. This is Bosc again. That is a long pass but it is

forward. I do not think the French will be too pleased about the

execution side of their attack today. They will be pleased with

their defence. Let's give some credit to the Welsh as well. They

have hung in and dug in. They have not quite found the answers with

the ball. But there is some tough get something else out of this gain,

along with the great deal of pride they will have got from the mighty

defensive effort they put up at times. Matt Seamark, quickly away

He knows he has made a mistake that puts his side and an awful lot of

pressure. With one minute left to play, plenty of time for the French

to prosper. They would like to finish with a score, the French.

But I am sure the Welsh will not That has been the story of the

second half for both teams. Good hands. This is a chance for Dan

Fleming. He has not been stopped and he has done well to get it away.

Here comes Ben Evans. Two young players with -- very much at the

heart of this Welsh side over the coming years. It is Dan Fleming

the last player of the game. Ben Evans is pulled down and this crowd,

this is heartening, Virgin rugby league territory, the vast majority

in here have not seen a game of rugby league. They all seem to be

on their feet offering their applause to a French side who have

delivered the goods this afternoon. The French had to come from behind.

A wonderful start by Wales in the opening couple of minutes. David

James. But those three tries just before half-time inspired by Bosc,

keeping the French very much on top with a lot to learn and a lot to be

grateful for float both sides. was a really heavy game, if that is

the right expression. It was a quick, physical game. The French

were worthy winners in the end. can now speak to Elima.

Congratulations. They gave you quite a workout. Definitely. Wales

had a strong pack. We knew we would be coming down the middle. It took

15 minutes to get into the game. As the game went on, the last 10

minutes, we scored three tries. We knew we could do better in the

second half. Still plenty of errors but we were happy with the game.

The Welsh were not afraid coming to France on playing us. We knew what

would be a hard game and we showed in defence it was very hard.

must be a very pleased with your defence. Yes, we have been using

those comments in the changing room and we came out firing. They scored

the first try at we could have gone down but we worked hard in defence.

We worked really well and we came out with a win today. Really

pleased with that. Disappointed not to score more tries in the second

half? Definitely. A few for passes in the first half. -- forward

passes. Little decisions, we could have done better. Presumably,

having 80 minutes out there together, you will build on that.

Definitely. We have England coming in two weeks. We have to have a

look at the game. It will be a stronger squad. We are pretty

pleased with what we have done today and we have to build on that.

Let's bring in your counterpart, the Wales captain, Craig Kopczak.

That was a physical battle out there for you guys. It certainly

was. We saw a lot of character out there today. I thought we really

battled hard. We had a lot of pride today. We knew what would be taken

into France. The result says it all. Just a bit disappointed that in the

back end of the first half, we gave them too much possession. Too much

tackling, we have to do. They scored the tries on the back of it.

For tea creeping in at the end of the first half? Definitely. --

fatigue. I think it was what happened in the end. But just the

one penalty in the second half. that is the pleasing thing about it

really. We came out in the second half and put real pride in the

sheet. -- shirts. Hopefully we can put it right next week. It is quite

an experience for the younger players in the squad. It is

fantastic for them. A fantastic occasion. They have got the

experience that. Are you close to resolving your future and where you

will be playing next year? Craig Kopczak talking there.

Confirmation of the score. France on top of the table. Wales play

England next Saturday. And England- They were all talking about how

physical it was added was. It was physical. A lot of contact, a few

punches thrown. That get more reaction. We can go straight back

now to speak to the French coach. How pleased we with your team's

performance? Very happy and pleased at my team today. We created some

good breaks in the first half. Missed some opportunity because the

execution was poor. It was better at the end of the first half.

Waistcoat -- showed good spirit today. We showed it is not just be

Catalans Dragons group. It is a French group. We are very happy

with this victory. We are starting to build a good team. We have spied

-- fighting spirit. A Bosc was special at times for you. He was

our playmaker. We can say that about Baitieri today. He played

very good today. Greater choice, great execution. It is a very good

combination. They worked together for the Catalans Dragons and it is

good for the French team to. He was the man-of-the-match, Bosc. He ran

the game for the French. Yes, as he always does. He is one of these

players that you need to get the ball to as often as you can. The

more opportunities you give him, the more opportunities he will get

you. He did that today. When he got on form after the first 20 minutes,

he started finding spaces around the edges. He nearly scored in the

-- but it was last-gasp efforts from the wells. He was cutting them

to ribbons at times. If Wales are going to take a positive and there

are positive, it is how they scrambled their defence at times.

Incredible. Those should be tries for the French players. The desire

from the blokes in red was too much for the French. Iestyn Harris has

to be really pleased with certain aspects of that game. They have got

beaten, conceded three tries in five or six minutes, but apart from

that, nothing else. The French will be happy with their defence as well.

They conceded one try in the first minute of the game. Rugby league is

a very attractive attacking sport in general but you get so much from

the defensive side as well. They will be some bruised and battered

bodies and that Welsh dressing room. What was your feeling on the Gil

Dudson sin-binning? Initially, I thought it was pretty bad but

looking back, it is not look as bad as I first thought. It is a penalty.

The reaction is pretty intense. People flying in, which is what you

expect. But everyone ripped in, that is the team spirit. Eventually,

they got the right man sent to the sin bin! I know we are talking

about how physical it was, that went a little bit overboard, but

there were some crunching tackles from stop -- some crunching tackles.

It is a tough sport. In general, the team that is the most physical

wins games of rugby league. If you carry the ball strongly, you win

the game. You get more opportunities to score. Put

pressure on them. France probably just edged on the physical state

and that is why they are Mont -- that is why they along the right

They were talking in the commentary, the advantage of playing next week?

It is certainly an advantage. Your timing is a little bit rusty

initially. Wales will be better next week. They will be a real

challenge for the England team. will be a challenge but it will be

very exciting. Yes, it is good to see these teams come out and

gripping to each other like that. It is good to see from an England