Ireland really poor discipline in that game, so stupid - gave the game away when it could have been a contest.
The ball steal rule is stupid - why do we always let the Aussie impose their rules on International RL. Get 3 in a tackle, One works both hands round the ball, the other s drop off and the odds are in the defenders favour every time. It looked like Ireland had never heard of the rule before that game!
Re Attendences: The Ireland/Wales/Scotland games should have been shown in their respective countries - great opportunity to spread awareness lost.
However, the marker will be when we come out of group stages and into the QF, SF and Final. A good England performance and crowds in these will be where the tournament should be judged. Does anyone even know (or more importantly care about) the attendance of the minnow nations Union WC games in the opening rounds ?