Why is Southern Hemisphere Rugby so much stronger then the Northern Hemisphere version ?

Question

Please ! This is serious I need to know that it has more to do with our open running style of play and not just because we are Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Western Samoans, Fijians and Tongans ! Obviously we would decimate those Northern Hemishpere "Pretenders" ! But what would be the best way to see this decimation of the Northern version ?

nonenzedd - you are absolutely right they are such natural athletes, you should try growing up here and having to play against them as kids ! The strange thing is that we do though ! Although the ARU REALLY NEEDS TO DO A LOT MORE to assist developing Rugby Nations like Fiji, WSAMOA, tONGA ETC... PNG (League), what a great breading ground for future players ! Our domestic comp at the moment would be 2/3rds Islanders & Moari, mostly the Western Sydney teams though, as Randwick and Sydney Uni are still "old boy establishments" and students.

Answer 1

It's a complicated issue, and the answer is found in combining several difference factors. Firstly, Rugby is more important in the southern hemisphere than it is in the north. Thusly, there is more funding for rugby, and a higher percentage of people playing. In addition, the southern hemisphere, specifically NZ value the importance of the breakdown and the ability to create turnover ball. More time with the Ball in hand, the more opportunities you have to score. Furthermore, as is previously poined out, there is a difference in philosophy between the North and the South (with exceptions) The North values big hard heavy forwards with which to muscle and grind the ball up field (South Africa also favors this approach). The South prefers smaller faster forwards and puts a strong emphasis on the backline and innovative kicking (France loves this, it's Le Flair they brag about), this is demostrated best by NZ who often play Fly-halves as centers to increase their kicking ability.

Answer 2

You're absolutely right, it has everything to do with the more open running style. In the northern hemisphere, the philosophy is to utilize the forwards more and to just try and be more physical than the other team. The southern hemisphere is the opposite, relying on the backs to move the ball and running different plays that confuse the opposition. Simply put, it doesn't matter how strong you are if you can't hit the opposition.

To be fair though, the last rugby world cup in 2003 was won by England...

Answer 3

Riiiight..... look up the results this century between England and Australia and South Africa. Prior to the last two years both were England;s bunnies. Something like 8 on the bounce for England v SA and Australia just lost 8 out of 9 a year back wasn't it?

New Zealand will do what they usually do, be the best in the world for 3 3/4 years.

Answer 4

Australia and SA are coming within reach of Northern Hemisphere teams..

The real reason why they are stronger fitter and better at rugby(new zealand in particular..if you are interested), is the pacific islanders "worship they're bodies" as part of they're religion.

It is a sin - not to be build like a brick sh*te house.

Some 12 year old islanders are bigger and quicker than british 21 year olds.

Fiji Samoa and Tonga per capita of population - are by far - the worlds greatest rugby nations. It's a disservice that they cannot get massive funding to really compete - like the allblacks etc.

Answer 5

Well I am answering as a Welshman. We struggled to adapt to the professional era, but we are now finally getting our act together and turning out some good youngsters. The north will continue to improve and catch the south. Your arrogance will be your countries downfall.

Answer 6

it because southern hemishphere player are better even though england won the last world cup