Huge game in World Cup bid

IT’S NOT the 2020 Ashes or the 2021 World Cup – but today’s Test match in France is still hugely important for England.

With the World Cup pushed back 12 months this has become a rebuilding period for England, and eight players will win their first caps in Perpignan.

Over the last few years we’ve lost some quality players from the international scene, including Sean O’Loughlin, Sam Burgess, James Graham and James Roby.

For coach Shaun Wane it’s now about finding out which players can step up from Super League to international level.

There’s different things that come with that – how do you react in camp if you’re not playing? How do you deal with players you haven’t played alongside? Can you fit into a new system with a new coach?

That’s what Wane will get out of this camp, and playing France in France will provide reasonably difficult opposition – if not quite at the level of facing Australia, New Zealand or Tonga.

Of the eight players winning their first caps, the one I’m most looking forward to seeing is Jordan Abdull.

If somebody had told you four years ago that he would be playing for England you’d have checked what they were drinking.

But it’s huge credit to him, Hull KR and his coach Tony Smith that he’s here now.

He’s a wonderfully talented player and has some assets which could undoubtedly trouble the top teams – especially his spiralling high kick, which causes havoc.

You’d think that Jonny Lomax and George Williams would be first in line for the starting places in the World Cup, but Abdull could make a difference.

Another big positive today is that England Women’s Test against France is part of a double-header in Perpignan and will be screened live on BBC2. The BBC should be commended for showing it on one of their main channels – it’s great for the growth of the women’s game.