For me Hall had no downward pressure on the ball. While Inglis utterly messed up his attempt to knock the ball clear, I think Hall never really went for the ball at all, it was more of a blind grope that almost got lucky.

But when they went to the screen and see Hall's fingertip on it when it's on the ground I think they have to give the try. But as I said, I don't think they were looking at the incident to give the try, they were looking at the incident to rob us of the GLDO.

If the balls flat in the floor and your little finger touches it how can that be no downward pressure?

It's physically impossible.

Smith although not perfect had a decent game IMO. What you have to realise is not all kicks are going to find the ground against that level of opposition, how many times did our back 3 take the ball on the full? Plenty. On numerous occasions in the 2nd half when our forwards we're struggling he found the ground.

Widdop needs to kick on a little though. His kicking game isn't as good as Smiths and he is at 6 so should be bringing some real attacking threat ala Green at Wigan.If he's not careful the idea of Tomkins 6 Hardaker 1 will be tried out.

As said Charnley has been a little disappointing.

With Roby or McLlorum in that team today interchanging with Clarke we would have got over the line IMO.

I could score points by pointing out how Wigan players conceeded the first 4 penalties of the game when they didn't have Superleague refs to protect them.

I could point out the appalling ref/video ref decisions e.g. that scrum, or that last minute try.

I could point out the lack of guile and craft in the half backs.

I could accuse individual players of not being up to it at this level, and making individual errors e.g. Charnley, Hodgson.

But in the end, despite all that, this game was there for the taking, and we went into our shell, and tried to protect the lead in the second half; and we payed the price.

So you would've given it then? Make your mind up.

So if Charnley offers zero attacking threat in 80 minutes - it's the [iteam's fault (and the ref)[/i??

Shouldn't Charnley be saying, [i"Gee... Ryan Hall's performance made mine look second rate"[/i?

I know I'd be thinking that.

And I've not even started on the two bombs he almost ran into Sam Tomkins because he wasn't looking.

Has anyone yet managed to convince Ryan Hall that he scored a last minute try?

Reason I ask is because he appeared pretty convinced that he hadn't.

We choked as usual in second half. Missed opportunities and some good fortune to opposition. Been watching same old same old for 30 years!

Watkins defence is terrible by way!

Didn't 'celebrate' as 'he wanted to get the ball back'

Choked, bottled it... Yep, that just about sums up that 2nd half performance.

You'll be upsetting a few Whinos with that comment about Watkins. You are right though. He's a defensive nightmare whose game at international level will result in conceding more tries than it scores.

He wants a coaching job down under so he has to tow the line

I said before the game Watkins defence is a worry - perhaps they could defend him nearer the middle - compared to Tom Burgess he looks like Cameron Smith!! How does he get a game in the NRL?

Why?

Can't he count?

Does he have difficulty reading scoreboards?

Choked like we have been doing for the past 40 years - why is that?

Was it Ashley Klien who was almost assaulted by the Aussie coach after the WC final in a hotel foyer?

Whichever referee it was, the Aussie coach had to be restrained the following day because he was still furious about a decision that cost them the game. Although it's highly unprofessional you really can't knock the passion he showed.

We're just too 'British' to kick up a fuss.

My decision would have been a GLDO.

Being forced to make the decision between TRY and 20m restart it would have been TRY. I do not think England deserved the try, but the Aussies didn't deserve the 20m restart either.

I think Ryan Hall messed up with his weak attack of the ball. If he actually looked where the ball was and moved is hand towards it it would have been a try. Instead he stuck out his hand in the vague direction of the ball and didn't really have a clue.

Ryan Hall is the best winger in the world. Charnley isn't in the top ten but he's still our second best and was ok today.

I wouldn't have an issue with Burgess coming in next week but he's not as good a player yet. Like I say Charnley or any other individual wasn't the reason we lost.

Ricky Stewart lost his job after that - not sure it was a great career move!! Then he is a coach as his record shows

Dropout award I presume

What do you mean deserved? Is that how referees are supposed to make decisions by deciding who deserves it more?!

It's black and white, downward pressure is needed which the video clearly showed there was.


The thing is with Charnley is he can create something out of nothing with a special play. That's why he has rightly been in the team, the problem is he hasn't been doing that in the big games for England. If he can't make an impression against Aus and NZ we would be better bring in someone like McGilvary who has a lot more size and would be as solid as Josh but would help the forwards much more.

I thought we failed to watch how nz tore them apart up the middle. Not much dummy half running and little short interplay, one time we did it we nearly scored a 60m try. Also can someone teach the burgess boys how to offload like brother sam please!

Please!



He had a split second call to make as he saw GI had missed the ball

Hall deserved the try because it was a try and Australia didn't deserve the 20 meter restart because they shouldn't of had it. Quite simple really.

Contradiction would be an understatement.

Totally justified, he was very poor defensively today.