Dave Craven: England v England? It will be a hands-down win for England

REGARDLESS of whether Sam Burgess plays for England against France on June 12, the big question is will anyone actually be there to see him in or out of action?

Anxious South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson might be watching on the box from the other side of the world, nervously concerned about his club's prize asset getting crocked if the RFL do manage to force the NRL club's hand.

However, it is hard to envisage many people actually taking much interest closer to home. Is it just me or does June 12 ring any bells?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That date does have a sporting resonance but, unfortunately, not because of a rugby league international in Leigh.

It is, of course, the day England's assault on football's World Cup begins.

So, why on earth would England want to play France the same evening at 5.15pm, when millions of people have long since pencilled into their diaries another appointment a little over two hours later?

Granted, not all rugby league fans are necessarily lovers of football but when it comes to World Cups, generally everyone becomes an instant anorak.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Most of the nation will be tuning in to see Fabio Capello's side against those old foes from across The Pond. Even Mrs Craven is likely to be enticed away from Britain's Got Talent to see England start their summer of footballing love against the might of the US of A.

There is a distinct fear eager supporters may begin drifting out of Leigh's stadium soon after the hooter signals the start of the second half in order to gallop home to their sofas for the alternative entertainment.

That is a foolish thought – many will not even bother arriving for the first period.

A Saturday evening in June is far from ideal for generating a decent attendance for an England rugby league game but put it up against World Cup football and it is a recipe for a PR disaster.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The hoo-hah about all the empty seats at Murrayfield will just be dying down when television cameras pan across desolate stands at Leigh Sports Village and the sport is given another unnecessary shoeing.

Such decisions are more often than not dictated by Sky and their scheduling and that appears the case here.

But if the scheduling was solely down to the broadcasters, maybe they could have accommodated the international on the prior Thursday evening, taking up their usual slot for the televised Championship fixture.

As for Burgess, Richardson has claimed it is only a one-off Test and they are not willing to let the young Yorkshireman make the extensive and exhaustive trip, more specifically because he will miss their game with Brisbane the same weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, England coach Steve McNamara wants his dynamic forward – who he views as a potential captain of the future – on board more for the week's preparation than the actual match against France.

In his first outing as England's new coach it will be a key occasion when he will begin to expound the ideas he sees as imperative in England's bid for success during this autumn's Four Nations where Burgess will be a central figure.

Fellow Englishman abroad Gareth Ellis has no such problem as his side Wests Tigers have a bye.

Souths may yet be shamed by the Rugby League International Federation into adhering to the NRL contract that says players should always be released for representative duty but, in the meantime, and on the subject of scheduling, the saga should have one positive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It seems likely, from 2011, there will be an official window where both the mid-season England-France game and the Australia- New Zealand fixture take place at the same time. That would circumvent the traditional club v country row once and for all, if not the issue about competing with a football World Cup.

Related topics: