Rugby | Southern Hemisphere’s theoretical domination of the Six Nations
Inclement weather conditions and intensity would hamper the Southern Hemisphere’s theoretical domination of the Six Nations - according to several rugby legends
As this year’s Six Nations tournament kicks off, the eyes of each respective fanbase will be on how their teams will bounce back following the collective disappointment of last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Once again, the Northern Hemisphere teams failed to break the stranglehold on the Webb Ellis Cup from their rivals in the Southern Hemisphere. However, according to an interview with rugby news site, RugbyPass, a trio of legends from three leading Southern Hemisphere nations don’t believe their sides would fare particularly well, if they were theoretically given the chance to compete in the Championship.
Despite the global dominance of sides like South Africa and New Zealand, the core reasons for this would apparently be due to the style of play, the weather, travel time and notably, the intensity of the Championship.
Speaking exclusively to RugbyPass, Springboks hero Bob Skinstad, All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens and Australian Rugby World Cup winner David Campese, all give their unique perspectives on this subject.
Skinstad said: “I don’t think we’d win it easy every time, although we don’t like to lose! We’d be very competitive and obviously the overnight flight we’d need to do would be a big factor. Although it would be good for the squad’s attitude and mentality. Getting the other nations over here too would be fantastic.”
Discussing New Zealand’s prospects, Andrew Mehrtens said he believes the All Blacks would still be contenders, but ultimately the intensity of the tournament and the conditions could prove challenging. He said: “Look, I don’t think the All Blacks would go unbeaten. I’d like to think we’d be top three year in year out, as we’re consistent for sure. The games would definitely also be up there with the most prestigious outside of the World Cup.
“But this is another thing that makes the Six Nations great. You go from playing a fast game in France to a real slog at Murrayfield - I know the All Blacks haven’t lost to Scotland in our entire history, but we definitely wouldn’t go in there overly confident.
“There’d also be a lot more pressure on the All Blacks as all the other sides would see us as a real scalp. Along with South Africa, there would be huge pressure on the Southern Hemisphere nations facing that intensity every match - it’s probably tougher than the World Cup!”
Australia legend, David Campese, was a little more dismissive of Australia’s prospects, downplaying the team’s chances based on current form. He also suggested the winter weather conditions that stem from where the tournament currently sits in the rugby calendar would also be a big factor. Campese said: “At this moment we wouldn’t do too well, but as the Six Nations is so rooted in tradition, the dates wouldn’t get moved and you get the Australian players coming over at the end of their season. I think if it moved to June or July it’d be much fairer for everyone involved. You don’t want a freezing cold day where everyone is just kicking the ball.”
