GREAT Britain’s third disappointing defeat from as many matches on the tour to New Zealand begs the question as to whether Wayne Bennett has taken the national team as far as he can.

After guiding England to the World Cup Final in 2017, where they were an ankle tap away from winning the top prize for the first time since 1972, and then backing up with series win over the Kiwis, this tour has just not happened.

Great Britain’s 23-8 defeat after a dismal performance against New Zealand in Christchurch follows on from last week’s test loss and the opening tour defeat by Tonga.

The return of the Lions has seen a whimper rather than a roar and has seen the national side go back in the betting – after seemingly building so well in previous autumns.

It is bitterly disappointing – and not a true reflection of the game in Britain.

Although the defence and application from the pack has been there – Britain have looked rudderless with the halves barely offering anything inventive.

It has led to a dull, turgid style of play that for all the effort looked unable to break down a quality defence.

And this test in Christchurch was no different.

But it is not just been about performance, questions have to be asked about the selection strategy that sent over a squad thin on three-quarters and top heavy with halves.

It as if no thought was given to the balance of the tour squad once key injuries struck before the departure.

Once they lost players on tour it left Bennett calling in a stand-off in Blake Austin to play wing.

Having seen Lachlan Coote and Jonny Lomax perform so well together at one and six all season at Saints, surely that combination should have been tried out rather than the one adopted.

With a huge Ashes series taking place in England next year, followed by the 2021 World Cup, the supporters need an incentive to get excited and build these into events or they will end up as damp squibs.

Alas, there is a disconnect between the supporters and the national team now that can only be fixed with a change in personnel at the top.

Anybody know what Shaun Wane is doing these days?