THE first World Cup since 2000 threatens to set English rugby league back by almost as many years - miracles not withstanding.

And it's not done too much for the sport, in general.

Scotland's squad, ably led by Widnes Vikings boss Steve McCormack, arrived home today.

The Irish, under Andy Kelly's tutelage, will be back later this week.

Both countries won one game and were eliminated.

England also have one victory to their credit but amazingly find themselves in the semi-finals.

A month and just three games after leaving Manchester airport, they're only 80 minutes away from a final against Australia.

Savings

A team that has conceded 20 tries and 110 points in its three pool matches is somehow in the last four of this lop-sided tournament.

OK, Fiji have it within their power to end the champions' reign in Sydney on Sunday.

But expecting a return on your savings in Northern Rock is more certain.

So, it's last chance saloon for Tony Smith's so-called stars in Brisbane on Saturday. They're not just defending national pride, they're trying to uphold Super League's tattered reputation.

We may be able to pay out big salaries but the quality is inferior to the NRL - no matter what the RFL or Sky will have us believe.

Smith has been stung by media criticism of his side's displays.

Bizarre

However, what does he expect after a feeble surrender against New Zealand on Saturday and an abject display six days earlier against Australia?

He's fortunate that the bizarre nature of competition format handed England a virtual walkover into the last four.

Having struggled to beat Papua New Guinea in their opening game, there's no guarantee they would have beaten the likes of Tonga, Samoa or Fiji.

What the World Cup has demonstrated is that there should be more competition between the so-called lesser nations.

These games have been more entertaining and exciting than the match-ups between the `big three.'

France have finished with the wooden spoon but have been invited to play in a Four Nations against the Aussies, Kiwis and wounded England.

No wonder Irish coach Andy Kelly says he will be put out if the French accept the invitation.

No wonder the World Cup and rugby league has become a laughing stock.