THERE was a little laxity after an early blitzkreig, but overall it was a job well done and a game Saints were glad to get out of the way. That was the opinion of Shaun McRae on Saints' weekend in Paris.

WHITTLE: Pre-match views were that Saints would face a stiffer test, given that Paris had been strengthened by an influx of Australians. Why did this not materialise?

McRAE: First of all with the Australian Super League having 10 teams of 23 players each, the ones who made their way to Paris were surplus to requirements and it showed. Second PSG coach Peter Mullholland struggled to raise a team because of injury, and Saints hit Paris with their best opening spell since I arrived. Admittedly we then eased off somewhat. But it should be remembered that Saints should have had a penalty when Danny Arnold was dispossessed. Instead Steve Prescott was sin-binned for an offence at a play-the-ball which should not have occurred. Having seen the video Greg McCallum agrees with my sentiments and, of course, it was while Saints were a man short that Paris scored their only try. However, on the premise that the nature of our game is based on attack restricting PSG to just six points was a telling reflection of Saints' defensive input, while 28 points without reply in the second half is a very fair return for a thoroughly professional and methodical approach to a tiring trip. On an individual note it was good to see Bobbie Goulding back and the skipper, although naturally a little short of match practice, reported no ill effects at the final hooter.

WHITTLE: Given the many problems that have beset the Paris St. Germain club, do you think it has a future and what do you think will happen if the team is relegated?

McRAE: Dealing with your first point I can understand the desire to have a side in a major city, but equally I remain convinced that Rugby League will not take hold in Paris. It would make more sense to launch any new venture in the game's southern heartland around the Carcassonne/Perpignan region. As for relegation, I would prefer not to speculate on that contentious issue.

WHITTLE: Remembering the draconian punishment meted out to Bobbie Goulding and the £15,000 fine imposed on Saints, surely the latest penalties handed out by the disciplinary board smack of inconsistency, don't you think?

McRAE: One could comment on this ad infinitum, but in a nutshell I believe that when a player is sent off he should be replaced by a substitute, thus ensuring that both teams have 13 players on the field, because paying spectators have a right to expect an equal contest. Why should a whole team suffer because of an individual indiscretion which, at the end of day, is more often the result of carelessness rather than malice. Furthermore I would introduce the points system as used in Australia; would take greater advantage of the placing-on-report facility, and reduce time in the sin-bin to five minutes. Revolutionary measures you might say, but I would stress that it is not my intention to make life easier for the genuinely bad boy. However, I also happen to believe a game of violent physical contact such as Rugby League is still comparatively clean, and many incidents are blown up out of all proportion

WHITTLE: Leeds versus Saints at Headingley is invariably a tough 'un. No doubt it will be par-for-the-course tomorrow night?

McRAE: Well, Saints pulled it off last season, but I expect a much harder game this year, with the Rhinos having strengthened their squad with tried-and-tested Aussies such as Wayne Collins, Damien Gibson and Martin Masella, plus Kiwi Richie Blackmore. And Leeds will probably have Iestyn Harris in their ranks, and while I hold the player in the highest regard he is now in a Rhinos shirt, and further comment on that is pointless because the matter is outside of my control. WHITTLE: Three weeks to go before another trip to 'the Smoke.' Have you any Wembley up-date such as stepping up of training schedules etc?

McRAE: None whatsoever because, with four Super League games before May 3, the programme will remain pretty much the same. After all we have played 10 games in the last eight weeks, and if the squad are not in top shape by now they never will be!

WHITTLE: Still on Wembley, and given that there will be the usual schoolboy curtain-raiser, what are your views on yet another game, ie the Plate Final?

McRAE: The Challenge Cup Final is regarded as the most prestigious event in the Rugby League calender and yet, in the event of rain, the chances of playing on a cut-up pitch are greatly increased by this innovation. Secondly this is the only game in which the competing teams cannot warm up beforehand, and yet another 34 players are to be given the earlier chance to tread the hallowed turf. I rest my case.

WHITTLE: Derek McVey - will he be fit for the big day?

McRAE: Derek is receiving intensive treatment on his ankle problem but has not reached the running stage of recovery. Given the time-scale it could be touch-and-go.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.