Familiar excuses from McNamara but hopes are high for the future

The England chief, who failed to reach the Gillette Four Nations showpiece in his first full season in charge, had guided them to the Elland Road decider and the improved manner of recent displays had raised hopes of ending their long wait for glory against Australia.

A rousing atmosphere was created as the majority of nearly 35,000 supporters, most waving England flags, launched into a roaring rendition Land of Hope and Glory as the sides entered the fray. Such an entrance only serving to heighten the expectation.

But, by the end, all hope had gone and, yet again, there was no glory as the Green and Golds systematically picked them apart.

McNamara admitted: “We genuinely thought we had a great shot of winning that game.

“We went into half-time at 8-6 down and in the second half we missed our opportunities and Australia were ruthless.

“In the first half we had to defend our goalline on so many occasions and I think the England of old would have folded.

“We conceded after three minutes but then didn’t concede for the rest of the half.

“Even at 8-6 at half-time we were satisfied with the situation and we probably didn’t play as well as we could.

“But we just never found our rhythm in the second and paid the price. We’ve got to take those opportunities when you get them.

“The effort was great along with the will, spirit and determination but we just weren’t quite in sync with each other as we have been in the last couple of weeks. We just fell a bit short.”

Meanwhile, Wigan full-back Tomkins – who was notably subdued in England’s defeat – is bizarrely set to be named today in the Barbarians squad to face the Australian Wallabies at Twickenham on Saturday.

In an odd development, the 22 year-old’s club seem willing to allow their star player to feature in the one-off union contest, just a couple of weeks after he pledged his future to the 13-man game.

Tomkins’ brother Joel has just signed for Saracens but Sam re-signed for Wigan, insisting he will not talk to the other code for at least three more years.

But, with his league season now ended, Barbarians team manager Alan Evans has admitted the player is contemplating their offer to turn out.

“I can confirm we’ve talked with Wigan and it’s a possibility,” he said.

“Over the years we’ve brought some rugby league players into the Barbarians, some of whom were already on their way into rugby union, people like Sonny Bill Williams and Wendell Sailor, so a precedent has certainly been set.”