Rugby’s world order is changing — and not necessarily for the better

New Zealand apart, the order of world rugby is changing rapidly, says Donal Lenihan

Between them, they share four of the eight World Cups on offer to date. Yet, having been on the receiving end of some embarrassing hammerings from northern hemisphere foes this autumn, the demise of rugby in South Africa and Australia must have alarm bells ringing in World Rugby headquarters.

New Zealand apart, the order of world rugby is changing rapidly. France might not have won a World Cup but their record of three final appearances coupled with six semi-finals — remember Ireland are still chasing a first — offers an appropriate appreciation of their standing.