Gigot & Maria in for Elima & Bentley

Apparently Gigot had a decent year with the Cronulla B team. I'll give him a chance.

Really poor, that. And for a team that's only scored two tries in three matches to get to the quarter-finals suggests that the format is deeply flawed.

That said, beat England on Saturday and I may laugh my spleen out.

I thought it was a good game.

Samoa were clearly a bit bigger and a bit more powerful but the French held their own for a fair part of the game.

Held their own, but never really looked like scoring in that second half. Then it'd be a penalty to piggyback Samoa downfield and bosh, they're in again. And to think I missed Only Connect for it.

Agreed , several bombed tries away from a win in that game.