Three weeks into the November tours and Southern Hemisphere strength is proving all too strong for the Northern Hemisphere teams. It’s important to note that these games are being playing in their backyards, under their interpretation of the ELV’s that we haven’t played under before, and in front of their packed out and partisan stadiums.
South Africa now head home undefeated, New Zealand face a pitiful England to complete their Grand Slam, and Australia need to repeat their RWC pool match victory against Wales in Cardiff to finish their tour undefeated. A real shame we’re not playing Scotland as a grand slam could be a real option for us as well.
Should the 6 Nations tournament be viewed as a second tier competition? The highest IRB ranked competing country is 5th, and given the performances so far this year it’s hard to justify the supposed strength up north. We’re used to beating them when they come down our neck of the woods in June, and sure they make excuses about sub-strength squads, but in my book they are just that – excuses.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="366 https://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/2008/11/pump-up.html">6 Comments
Fair enough, too. Whilst part of me wants to be cautious given that it wasn’t so long ago that our two-thirds/four-fifths strong squads were being embarrased in the NH, I then remembered that we have almost never ever been beaten over here.
And then I remembered 76-0 -heheheehahaha :)
Good call Moses, the northern hemisphere isn’t holding it’s own. How do you think it will make the ELV situation pan out?? I think it will further galvanize them to act unilaterally. But I take your point about playing under their interpretation and still sticking it to them. That seems to suggest SH teams are better regardless of what rules people eventually decide on.
I think the big decisions should be made by the countries that can play the game.. move the IRB to EnZed and give the 6 nations 2 seats between them on a rotational basis
I think the Tri Nations sides made their statement on the field. Is there anybody left in the Northern Hemisphere who can go for posts? Scotland mucked up several kicks for goal-including a sitter right in front of the posts in the game against the Springboks. Skrela’s miserable 1 for 6 kicking was big factor in the Wallabies coming away from Paris with a win. All of that said, the Southern Sides just looked better in every facet of the game. It’s also interesting to note that I think the best game of the fall tour was the All Blacks very emotional win in Ireland against Heineken Cup holders Munster(who I think had 4 Kiwis playing for them).
That’s spot-on Nursedude, the Tri-Nations have really basically eclipsed the Northern Hemisphere all round this time. Going back to my point, something the NH has NEVER done down here, even when touring as the Lions – imagine if we socked them with a 3N team!
Matt – nice new look for the site.
Couldn’t agree with you more either re the NH excuses.