France certainly made a good effort last night and have some useful players.  There is more talent in France than we normally get exposure to.  We never get to see the French League and since this year Sky are unwilling (or unable?) to go to Perpignan we only ever see Les Catalans over here and they don't travel at all well.

There still seems to be quite a gulf though.  Even when France went in front the result was never seriously in doubt and GB were considerably understrength into the bargain.

Maybe there is a danger of being impatient.  It could take ten years before a generation of players has come through a full time structure to reach a competitive level internationally.  I do fear for one thing though.  Once Les Catalans immunity from relegation ends  their desire to bring on untried Frenchman may be tested.  They have a good few Aussies/Kiwis already and that does little for the National teams prospects.

We should bite the franchise bullet and say that (whatever we do for the English sides) the French sides (yes I do think there should be two of them) are hear to stay.