Southern Hemisphere, ’What a difference!"

In view of what I've seen over the last few months, namely the Lions Tour, Tri Nations, and the first two test of the current All blacks Tour, leads me to believe that the gulf is getting bigger between the Southern Hemisphere sides, and the North to the point that in some cases it is bigger now than since the game turned professional in Europe.

I accept Wales had a number of players out for the game last week, but then the AB's change 15 players and with the exception of O'Driscoll and and the Paul ???? whose name escapes me this was as strong an Irish side that could be mustered from their provisional side who have been performing relatively well recently in the HC, and they got mullered, without breaking sweat.

Its hard to admit it, but I believe Wales played above themselves last season and England under achieved. The physicality of the English forwards may give the ABs something to think about, but I think theyll struggle to stay within 15-20 points of them. England today beat eventually am Australian side ravaged by injury and on the worst run of form in many a year.

What ever they feed the Kiwis on we need to bottle it and give to our boys when their at school, as they are light years ahead of us and it will only get worse.

GA PLUM wrote: I disagree, the gulf is getting bigger between NZ and the rest of the rugby world!! NZ are in the league of their own they really are!

And still lost to SA in August! God help us!!!

When I say 'put to the sword', I mean given a hammering, I accept England beat everyone put before them both home and away. prior and during their world cup success, but you tell me how many time they scored 30-40 points against the likes of SA NZ Aust and France, with the exception of the 14 man SA at Twickenham!!

When the Southen Hemisphere sides are on song, they do it regularly, and Wales have have been on many a occassion at the receiving end, unfortunately!!

We saw against the Lions, and so far this tour the ABs are ruthless!!

I have to say as much as it hurts, but well done to the England side for a gutsy performance against a classy AB's side. Fought fire with fire and bought back a bit of respect to Northern Hemisphere Rugby. Its sadly the same old story for them though, no or imagination in midfield, Tindall and Noon tackled the hearts out, but if they cant run through a brick wall, they have no plan B. No guile.

At least the Kiwis were put under pressure and made to fight, which was evident in their delight at the final whistle.

Who will give me odds on the points they score against Scotland. They will I suppose pick their alternative XV (Probably the second best side in the world) and I fear they will score 50 points at least.  " Oh POOR flower of Scotland".