England stay the one European nation to be topped world champions following a Jonny Wilkinson-inspired triumph in Australia 19 years in the past.
And whereas there’s nonetheless greater than a 12 months earlier than rugby union’s subsequent international extravaganza takes centre-stage, the shape information is taking tantalising form.
Wales captain Dan Biggar believes that subsequent 12 months’s World Cup is “very a lot a degree enjoying discipline” after northern hemisphere nations served emphatic discover of their credentials.
Eire’s first victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand, England beating Australia in Brisbane, Wales ending 58 years of damage on South African soil and Scotland toppling Argentina away from residence represented a staggering tremendous Saturday.
All 4 touring groups now enter sequence deciders subsequent Saturday, whereas the game’s world rankings are set for a substantial power-shift.
“It’s actually thrilling trying ahead to 12 months or so time in France,” Biggar mentioned after Wales toppled the world champions 13-12 in Bloemfontein.
“There may be probably not one stand-out crew going into the World Cup, as there was the final couple of instances most likely the place New Zealand have been streets forward of everybody.
“It is vitally a lot a degree enjoying discipline, and anybody can beat anybody.”
Per week after pushing South Africa to the restrict in a primary Take a look at thriller, Wales levelled the sequence when Gareth Anscombe kicked a touchline conversion two minutes from time after fellow substitute Josh Adams claimed his twentieth Take a look at attempt.
It was Wales’ first victory over the Springboks in South Africa, arriving on the twelfth try, and got here little greater than three months after Biggar and firm have been defeated by Italy in Cardiff.
“Credit score to Wayne (Wales head coach Pivac) and the administration that we most likely didn’t over-react to the tip of the Six Nations,” added Biggar, who took a blow to his shoulder and went off early within the second half at Toyota Stadium.
“We positively ought to have gained in opposition to France, we might have gained in opposition to England and we have been clearly disillusioned with the way in which issues completed (in opposition to Italy).
“We caught true to our weapons and game-plan when it comes to what we try to attain.
“I believe skilled sport is so cut-throat. Once you lose, these defeats are likely to final for months and months, versus typically your victories are over earlier than you blink.
“There have been some very, superb Wales groups to have come right here and been despatched packing. We’re a extremely tight-knit group, and everybody deserves a pat on the again.”
