RWC North vs. South

One week into the World Cup and the results have shown that the Southern Hemisphere reigns supreme. There are eight Southern Hemisphere teams: Argentina; Australia; Fiji; Namibia; New Zealand; Samoa; South Africa; and Tonga. So far, North vs South results have been:

Fra. 13 vs Arg. 17.
Ita. 14 vs NZ. 76.
Ire. 32 vs Nam. 17. (Only Sthn team to lose against a Nthn Team)
Grg. 3 vs Arg. 33.
USA. 15 vs Tng. 25.
Jap. 31 vs Fij. 35.
Eng. 0 vs SA. 35.

The Southern Hemisphere are 7-1 ahead. With New Zealand playing Portugal, and Australia playing Wales I can't see that being anything other than 9-1 by the end of the weekend. (I hope that Wales win, but they've fallen a long way in the past two years and I can't see it happening.)

The two most interesting games coming up will be England vs Samoa and Ireland vs Argentina. Samoa are not the worst team, and have a style of rugby that can unsettle. If they play to their potential they will beat England and knock them out of the cup. And Argentina are showing that they are the best of the non Tri-Nations/6 Nations teams and have shown the skill and confidence that will help them win.