1) Southern Comfort
Out of the eleven tests involving the Six Nations and Sanzar countries, Europe only claimed one victory and that was in the first game when England defeated Australia at Twickenham. This was also unique in that it was the only time a home team scored more tries than their opponents. Overall the Sanzar teams were vastly superior at try-scoring running up 32 to the Europeans 13. Although the penalty conversion count swung in the European teams favour, stats and common sense would show that the majority of tests are won by the team that scores the most tries. The Southern Hemisphere teams ability to create greater try scoring opportunities mean they are well placed going into next years World Cup.
New Zealand have won 14 out of 14 this year, South Africa have made great strides under coach Mayer and even Australia, after a limp display against England, have ended the year with four back to back victories and renewed hope. The World Cup next year is likely to throw up some classic match ups, not least South Africa vs New Zealand.
In an era in which lots of teams base their game on physically dominating opponents, the Southern hemisphere teams have backs who provide some genuine excitement and a change of tact. South Africa have Willie La Roux, Quade Cooper was excellent for Australia and New Zealand with Dan Carter inconsistently available could call on Julian Savea, Israel Dagg and Ma’a Nonu. The ability to move the ball fast and wide is something the Southern Hemisphere excelled at and the North appears to lack the craft for which they have paid the cost.
3) World Cup Predictions
Of the Six Nations sides England had the best month, despite being without a number of players, beating Australia and leading for most of the match against New Zealand. Stuart Lancaster has brought about a stability and consistency, they are unlikely to lose, but neither are they spectacular. Wales, six nations winners for the past two years, have the muscle but lack flair; Ireland are inconsistent, as likely to be brilliant as terrible; Scotland are likely to struggle, like Italy; while France have had a terrible year with their only victories coming against Scotland and Tonga but in Wesley Fofana they have the outstanding three-quarter in Europe. Things can only get better.
4) Refereeing
The Southern Hemisphere sides complained that the European side were able to slow down the ball, with Australia and New Zealand struggling to deal with refereeing of breakdowns in Europe. As the World Cup is hosted by England in two years, they will have to get used to it. It is a ridiculous that in an international game the refereeing varies in approach between hemispheres, why it is like this only the International Rugby Board can answer but. The forward pass has become confusing with physics being applied to the law. In certain instances a pass may now go forward as, if the passer's hands are pointing backwards, it does not matter where the ball ends up. Wales coach, Warren Gatland, moaned about Australia's third try but Wales's second against Tonga the previous week came after a moreb latantly forward pass. The television referees are in for a packed World Cup.
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