KEY POINTS:
There is an assumption the Kiwis will win this morning against a French team lacking international experience. John Monie, the French coach, is the most experienced person involved in this match and may well be a telling factor in the result.
Pride and respect are the only prizes on offer for the Kiwis, who have the most to lose if they do not achieve a convincing win. A number of the French side play in the Super League for Les Catalans and should not be underestimated.
French confidence, following New Zealand's performances over the last five weeks, will ensure a desperate response from the Kiwis. Over-confidence could see the Kiwis grasping for a last-minute win to finish the year on a positive note.
To be honest, I am looking forward to this tour and season ending, as there has been nothing but anguish since the debacle in Wellington. It has been a tiresome and frustrating time for rugby league fans, having had to endure lacklustre performances and speculation as to why the Kiwis have been so lacking in verve.
Despite the claims by Gary Kemble that it is a young side, it is part of a competition that has a pressure-cooker environment on a weekly basis.
Yes, there are a number of young players that will serve New Zealand well in years to come, but this chestnut was not trudged out until the severity of the losses became apparent. Injuries have accounted for the number of debutants this year but should not be an excuse for the way the team has performed.
There must be accountability for this, but who is willing to raise his hand and accept that responsibility? Issues remain to be sorted out and they have been well documented, but unfortunately little will be done.
The board will back their appointment of Gary Kemble as head coach, along with his assistants, and they will most likely remain. This will send the message that in their view coaching is not the problem.
Players rarely accept any responsibility for the way they play individually but rather trumpet the failings of the team as a whole.
This brings the role of the administrators into focus: it is clear they did not play an active role in tactics and style of play, but their outside influence on the team is strong.
Leadership has been lacking throughout this tour in both the organisation and the team.
Maybe lessons have been learned from recent experiences, but we will not know until the next time adversity strikes. That time will come at the World Cup, and we can do nothing but wait until then.
