rah wrote:Apollo wrote:rah wrote:There's waaaay too much being made of the gap between the sides at this tournament (as opposed to the gap that has existed from day 1).
This time last year, Ireland beat Australia and South Africa, Scotland beat Argentina, France beat Australia, Wales beat South Africa and England beat Australia. It's not as if they are incapable of beating SH sides (when they play in the NH that is).
NZ are a cut above everyone else consistently but the rest of the sides are not far from each other. They are all capable of winning and losing against each other. Most world cups have ended up in a 2-2 split of NH and SH sides in the SFs. This one could have easily done the same.
NH have gone 1/8 in WC.
I think the gap is pretty sizable.
You're missing my point. I said in my first para that there is a gap between the overall records of NH and SH. Generally speaking, the better sides will win in rugby more often than not and, generally speaking, historically Australia, SA and NZ have been some of the strongest sides. Only England and France have consistently challenged them and even they don't have winning records against them.
My point was that I don't think this tournament should be regarded as some great example of the gap widening. There has always been a gap. If anything, professionalism has closed the gap, as it is doing with the Tier 2 nations. I don't particularly see one weekend of games as proof that the gap has suddenly widened.
TBH, we're not missing your point.
Facts and evidence point to the fact that your argument is not sustainable.
1. This is the first EVER world cup where NO NH team has made the SF.
you are suggesting bad luck - i'm pointing to the fact that the SH teams are better. Argentina are now on a par with SA and not far behind Aus and NZ and are developign year on year.
2. the host nation - England (generally regarded as the strongest of the home nations given they have 40million to choose from) didn't even make it to the last 8.
3. France hammered by NZ by almost 50 points. Frances rugby philosophy is in tatters and going backwards
4. Ireland walloped by Argentina - conceding 4 tries. Ireland don't have strength in dept - 5 injuries and that was it.
5. Wales were beaten narrowly, but again came up short in a tight game.
6. Scotland WERE unlucky and IMO robbed of a SF place - however thems the breaks when you are in competitive matches.
7. Seven of the Coaches in the QFs of 2015 are Southern Hemisphere players/coaches. The only one who isn't was the French guy - and look what happened to him and his team
So in the 4 QFs, NH teams took two hidings, Wales lost narrowly and Scotland (arguably) were robbed.
The gulf is widening on the evidence being presented. NH Unions need to address the way the game is being played and developed from underage level onwards - it's like rugby League - big guys hammering into each other all over the pitch.