It’s time for northern success in the World Cup – Dallaglio
LAWRENCE Dallaglio is convinced a Northern Hemisphere team can reign supreme in France next year and that the Irish are looking irresistible.
The World Cup winner claims the gap between the two rugby halves of the globe is now extremely small thanks to the outstanding series’ victories for both England and Ireland, and the brave fight the Welsh showed in South Africa this summer.
Scotland may have come up short in their bid to taste a series success in Argentina, but Gregor Townsend’s outfit are also far better positioned to make a bold showing in France next year.
And Dallaglio believes it is time for a Six Nations side to end the long wait to emulate Sir Clive Woodward’s heroes in Sydney by lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.
“Apart from England, no other Northern Hemisphere side has won the World Cup, but these summer tours have shown that the gap between the North and South is much smaller than we perhaps feared it was at the start of the summer,” Dallaglio said. “We knew the likes of France and Ireland were strong after the Six Nations but we now know just how strong and that they are in excellent shape.
“I was depressed after the first weekend of the Tests when all the Northern Hemisphere sides lost. You ask why are they so much better than us. But one week later it all turned on its head. And then for Ireland and England to win series on the other side of the world was outstanding, particularly Ireland’s success in New Zealand.
“They and France are ahead of England at this stage with their teams, and proved it during the Six Nations. Ireland also beat New Zealand in Dublin a while ago and generally when you poke the bear you are going to get a reaction. That happened in the first Test but to come back like that and not just level the series but then win it in the
final game was incredible. To win in New Zealand is the pinnacle for any team.
“It’s the hardest place to win and as tough as winning a World Cup. It gives you genuine belief that you can beat anyone anywhere in the world. They have created their own little piece of history and did so by not just out-playing New Zealand in terms of their work rate but it was a very tactical and skilful game plan which they implemented. They played it to perfection. They will take huge amounts from that going forward to France next year.”
Dallaglio says Wales will take huge confidence from their series in South Africa and expects them to be strong come World Cup time.
He added: “Wales should have won that first Test and could have clinched the series before the last game. They showed they could match South Africa and live with them for most of the time. Not many gave them a chance over there but it will do their confidence the world of good.
“England and Wales are not quite there yet, but there’s still time for them to improve over the next year and work out what their best fifteens are. It’s so crucial to be able to say for certain this player and this player are going to start. I’ve no doubt, New Zealand and South Africa will be very, very good and very ready to play their best when it comes to the World Cup. When push comes to shove they will be ready for the battle.
“But the tournament is in France which changes the dynamics – it helps level the playing field a little and you could easily say at least seven teams will go into the World Cup believing they can win it. It’s just about who can handle the pressure when it arrives.”