Is there still any difference between the rugby hemispheres?
Since I've followed the sport, it's been a case of Southern Hemisphere domination in rugby. The one exception (and it was an exception) was England under Clive Woodward between 2000 and 2003. Other than that, the SANZAR nations always had two of the top three teams in the world (sometimes all three).
This is until recent years...
Obviously, Ireland's historic win in New Zealand speaks for itself but it is a surprise more than a shock because there is little difference between the quality of the two teams. England also won down-under, beating Australia. This is an England team in abysmal form against a supposedly improving Australia side under Dave Rennie. Wales did lose their test series in South Africa but it was very competitive. In 1998, the Boks put 96 points on Wales and that seems unthinkable now. Stats show that the northern nations now beat the old SANZAR giants on a regular basis, often even winning away tests. It used to be the case that you thought 'we might have a chance against these guys' in a home game but now England, France and Ireland would all expect to beat Australia at home. New Zealand and South Africa are still good but not intimidatingly so: like they once were.
I think it has to be said that the SANZAR nations adapted to the professional era much quicker than their northern rivals and now the European teams have caught up. Do people agree with me or think that there are other reasons? Tell me your thoughts.
This is until recent years...
Obviously, Ireland's historic win in New Zealand speaks for itself but it is a surprise more than a shock because there is little difference between the quality of the two teams. England also won down-under, beating Australia. This is an England team in abysmal form against a supposedly improving Australia side under Dave Rennie. Wales did lose their test series in South Africa but it was very competitive. In 1998, the Boks put 96 points on Wales and that seems unthinkable now. Stats show that the northern nations now beat the old SANZAR giants on a regular basis, often even winning away tests. It used to be the case that you thought 'we might have a chance against these guys' in a home game but now England, France and Ireland would all expect to beat Australia at home. New Zealand and South Africa are still good but not intimidatingly so: like they once were.
I think it has to be said that the SANZAR nations adapted to the professional era much quicker than their northern rivals and now the European teams have caught up. Do people agree with me or think that there are other reasons? Tell me your thoughts.
41-45, M