England legend Lawrence Dallaglio has backed the northern hemisphere teams to stop the rot against the south in next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The current World Rugby rankings have two nations north of the equator leading the way as their southern rivals have dipped in form over recent seasons.
Meanwhile, the likes of England, Wales and Scotland will back themselves against the big four from the south on their day if they collide in France 2023.
A northern hemisphere side lifting the Webb Ellis trophy would be the first time that has happened since 2003 and with Ireland and France currently the strongest teams in the global game, Dallaglio believes the tide could be turning and the southern hemisphere’s stranglehold on the trophy might be over.
England the only northern hemisphere winner
“It is hard to win the World Cup, especially away from home. I thought that England would have done it again by now,” said the BT Sport rugby pundit.
“There have been nine World Cups and eight of them have been won by the southern hemisphere, so either they’re just better than us or we shoot ourselves in the foot a little bit. It’s probably a mixture of the two.
“But having said that, at no point since 1987 when New Zealand won the first one have the southern hemisphere been as close (to the northern hemisphere teams).
“Very recently the top four in the world rankings were from the northern hemisphere. There’s been a genuine shift in the balance of power, but the proof is in the pudding.
“France, Ireland and possibly England have got as good a chance as they’ve had in any previous year. If you get your run right, you can win a World Cup. They’ve all got a chance and it’s exciting.
“As South Africa showed in 2019 when they lost to New Zealand in the opening game, you’ve only got to win six games. If you time your run right…”
Many have billed France as tournament favourites next year due to their excellent recent form, but Dallaglio is worried how they will handle the pressure.
Pressure is on France at home
“I think France will give it a good go of putting the tournament on in their own way,” said the former number eight.
“But whether the host nation can win a World Cup when all their players are up on billboards around the country… that creates a bit of pressure.
“They wobbled against us in 2007 when they lost the semi-final in their own country. It’s tough and it brings its own pressure, but they seem to have coped pretty well with it so far.”
BT Sport is the home of Gallagher Premiership Rugby. The new season kicks off with Bristol Bears v Bath Rugby at 7pm on BT Sport 1 on Friday, September 9
Click Here: Cheap QLD Maroons Jersey