ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Rugby World Cup semi finals show that the North-South divide appears to have all but closed

BY Grant Constable  ·  Wednesday Oct 23, 2019

At the last Rugby World Cup in 2015, the southern hemisphere nations highlighted a gap with their northern counterparts after none of the Six Nations teams advanced to the semi-finals for the first time.

ADVERTISEMENT

In England four years ago, the southern hemisphere sides simply played at a faster pace across the park and their skill execution under pressure was at a much higher level. This weekend, however, the semi-finals will show how much the gap between the south and north has narrowed.

The All Blacks face England in the first semi-final clash between southern and northern-hemisphere sides since 1999, when New Zealand were upset by France.

Six Nations champions Wales face Rugby Championship winners South Africa at Yokohama Stadium on Sunday.

“I think that is what has made them go away and improve,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen told reporters in Tokyo when asked about the north’s last World Cup performances.

“Not so much improve but think about how they play the game and how they get what they want from their rugby,” he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

“They have come back over the last four years and all those home nations have played really good rugby.

“Two of them (Wales and Ireland) have been number one in the world in the last month or so and two are now in the final four, so they have made some great improvements.”

Those advances have produced better results since the last World Cup, as Ireland, England and Wales have all gone on lengthy unbeaten streaks.

Ireland won their first two games against the All Blacks and their first match in South Africa.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wales ended a 10-year, 13-match losing streak at the hands of the Wallabies and beat them again in pool play in Japan. England and Ireland also won test series in Australia.

Video Spacer

England have built an impressive record in the last four years.

They have lost just three times in 18 games against southern hemisphere opposition since the last World Cup — two to Sout h Africa and in their only game against the All Blacks last year, something coach Eddie Jones is eager to rectify in Yokohama.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Jones said.

“Look at what we’ve done as a team over the last four years, we’ve had some great wins, we’ve had some significant losses. We have learnt from those.

“Progressively, we’ve built a game that we think we can take New Zealand. We’re just excited by the possibility.”

Related Articles

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    'A really poor imitation' - Shane Horgan...

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    Top referee calls time on career following...

  • 50 WEEKS AGO

    2023 Men's Rugby World XV of the Year - The...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All