The Daily Telegraph

Schalk Brits, South Africa

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It really pains me to admit this as a proud South African, but the Six Nations is now the stronger competitio­n.

If I had a hypothetic­al choice as a player I would much rather play in the Six Nations than the Rugby Championsh­ip.

When the Tri Nations first started, it was an unbelievab­le competitio­n. New Zealand, South Africa and Australia were the three best teams on the planet and were really evenly matched. You never knew who was going to win.

Now you have seen the All Blacks pull away while South Africa and Australia have fallen behind, along with Argentina. Unfortunat­ely I do not see that situation changing any time soon. What is the fun in watching something when you know what the outcome is going to be?

Compare that to the Six Nations, which has improved drasticall­y in the last few years.

Even when I came to England in 2009, it was still quite far behind the Tri Nations in terms of skill but not anymore.

The brand of rugby they now play in the northern hemisphere is unbelievab­le. Even when it is raining and cold, they still try to play rugby.

Every game is just so competitiv­e. Any one of England, Ireland, Wales or Scotland could win it this year.

I just wish France get their act together some time soon.

The atmosphere at all the games is incredible. Even as a player I find it impossible to get tickets.

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