Paul Rees sees Ireland and France consolidate their position as leaders of the North

Ireland and France were the only two teams not to suffer a fall in the autumn.
They remain first and second in the world rankings respectively after winning three out of three, although both were pushed close by World Cup holders South Africa and, more surprisingly, Australia. It will be the first time since the rankings started that two European teams occupy the top two positions at the start of a World Cup year and, with France hosting the event, the north looks the more likely hemisphere to supply the...