No sign of new world order

THOSE who argue, with some justification, that professionalism has closed the gap between rugby on this side of the world and our southern counterparts have taken a knock over the past fortnight.

While excuses will be made about player unavailability and the inevitable fatigue that accompanies the end of a long season, it is hard to hide from the facts. In the eight tests played between the home countries and New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina, not one victory was recorded by a northern hemisphere side.

On Saturday, Ireland and France (who face South Africa) have one last opportunity to strike a blow for Europe.