How Can the Northern Hemisphere Close the Gap on the South Before 2019 RWC?

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: November 2, 2015

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By the time referee Craig Joubert went scampering from the field, we were left with only southern-hemisphere participants in Rugby World Cup 2015.

The last four teams were the same four who fight it out for the Rugby Championship on an annual basis.

Indeed, the only side from north of the equator to topple a member of the big four during the tournament was Japan.

Scotland played two of them and lost both, as did Wales, while England, France, and Ireland were all beaten by one of the big beasts.

Scotland may point to the narrow margin and dodgy decision that saw them miss out on a semi-final spot, but on a dry day, the fact is they may not even have been close to the Wallabies at the death.

Wales are the only ones who have a case to put for injuries perhaps being their undoing. Add Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny to that side and they may well have found a way past South Africa.

Everyone else, when they came into contact with the leading southern-hemisphere nations, was well-beaten.



The results will leave a rather hollow feel about the next Six Nations. For all its tradition, ticket sales and teeming pubs, we will know for sure that whoever wins it can lay claim only to the title of "best of the rest."

There is a gap between the top of that tournament and the quality of rugby played by the southern sides.

As each union begins to compile its review of their team’s performances over the last two months, they will attempt to conclude with a list of recommendations as to how they can bridge that space between the great and the occasionally good.

There are a number of areas in which they can look for the necessary improvements.

 

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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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