An Old Fashioned Test

In order to whet their World Cup appetite, England and France will play an international in Toulouse on Friday, 27 June.

It will be the first time in nine years the two countries have clashed ina full blooded Test.

 In 1999 England and France twice clashed with England wining both matches, 28-20 in Carcassonne and 50-20 in Hull.

The 27 June game wil be played at the home ground of the Toulouse Rugby Union club, Stade Ernest-Wallon.

England coach Tony Smith has pledged a full strength line-up in respect of the great historical rivalry between the two countries.

"This will not be an experimental team," vowed Smith who is already burning the midnight oil to have England at its peak come Word Cup time.

Smith is one of many keen judges heralding the revival of Rugby League in France. While nobody is suggesting a return to the heady days on the early fifties, there is no doubt the standard and commitment is headng in the right direction.

Christophe Jouffret, the Director of the French National team, predicted the Toulouse fixture would bring out the best in both nations.

"The Stade Ernest Wallon venue is a tremendous backdrop for a fantastic contest," said Jouffret.

Meanwhile Scotland are celebrating news of a major sponsorship for their World Cup campaign.

The Co-operative will sponsor Scotland for the next two years. The company, iconic in Scotland, has 450 outlets and employs 8,000 staff. 

 Scotland also officially named Steve McCormack as coach for the World Cup. McCormack has been lauded for driving Scotland's World Cup qualifying process.

 McCormack coaches the Widnes Vikings in the Super League and the 35 year old has a passion for Scottish Rugby bLeague.

Scotland, in Pool Two, will play France and Fiji.

 In order to qualify for the semi-finals,  Scotland need to win their Pool and then beat the winner of Pool Three comprising Ireland, Tonga and Samoa.

Scotland were competitive in the 2000 World Cup, losing tight games to Ireland, Samoa and the New Zealand Maoris.

Observations from NRL, Round 2:

.The three crack coaches, Wayne Bennett (Broncos), Tim Sheens (Wests-Tigers) and Ricky Stuart (Cronulla) have their teams at the top of the ladder.

.Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt, a World Cup prospect, needs to remember how he was taught to tackle at school.

 Around the legs, Karmichael. Remember the oldest adage in the game-"you can't run without legs."

And at the end of the day, you will feel a lot better about yourself.

by Geoff Prenter