It's been a bad weekend for the Six Nations. With England and Italy already out, Ireland's dismantling at the hands of Argentina meant that they joined Wales and France at the World Cup exit door.
After France were thoroughly hammered by New Zealand, everyone is making the same conclusion about the strength of the hemispheres after watching Ireland look out of their depth at times against Argentina.
North - South hemisphere gap will be the big talking point after this weekend. Gulf in skill levels is cavernous.
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) October 18, 2015
4th best in the Southern Hemisphere.
Has just taken the best in the Northern Hemisphere, and torn them a new one— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 18, 2015
Where were you the day northern hemisphere rugby died? Honestly, the gap is closing. Honestly...
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) October 18, 2015
And it wasn't just twitter that made the same conclusion. Over on ITV, Ireland's own Brian O'Driscoll was heralding Argentina and lamenting the gap in the two hemispheres.
In fact, in this tournament - only Japan have beaten one of the top four Southern Hemisphere sides.
