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The semi-final line up at the Rugby World Cup is a southern hemisphere clean sweep. All Rugby Championship countries have made the final four.
>> WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINALS
Since England won the World Cup in 2003, and excluding the Lions’ triumph over Australia in 2013, Rugby Championship countries have dominated their Six Nations counterparts.
Since 2004 there have been 255 Tests played between Rugby Championship countries and those in the Six Nations. Rugby Championship countries have prevailed on 191 occasions – that’s a winning record of 75%.
In this period the All Blacks have won 60 out of 63 Tests, Australia 53 out of 72 Tests and South Africa 48 out of 61 Tests against Six Nations opponents.
Neither country has a losing record against a Six Nations opposition, though France and Ireland have held serve against the Springboks
Impressively the All Blacks haven’t lost to Italy, Wales, Ireland and Scotland since 2004. They have won 14 out of 15 against England and 14 out of 16 against France.
England have beaten Australia six times in 15 matches, but have a mediocre record against South Africa winning only two of the last 14 Tests.
All three countries have heaped misery on Wales who have only managed three wins in 32 attempts.
Argentina has the least impressive record winning 30 out of their 59 Test against Six Nations countries. When you consider they only joined the Rugby Championship in 2012 and their domestic competition is largely amateur this is an honourable record.
Argentina have made two of the last three World Cup semi-finals and beaten all the Six Nations countries at least twice.
Ireland appeared to be the most threatening Six Nations country prior to the World Cup. They won the tournament twice in succession and until this morning had won 19 of their last 23 Tests.
Historically southern hemisphere countries have enjoyed an advantage over their northern rivals, winning six out of seven World Cups. But why in this era of professionalism is the gap not closing?
Is it the weather? The standard of the competition? The quality of coaching? The governance of the game? The ownership models of the clubs?
Why is the south so much better than the north?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.