This extract is taken from a piece which appeared in the UK’s Independent some weeks ago:

“The comparison that Mallett makes between the northern hemisphere’s Six Nations Championship and the Tri-Nations competition in the south that forms the most fascinating of his views. Technically, he says, the Six Nations is the equal of the Tri-Nations. Fitness levels, structures, defensive patterns? none differ greatly. But there is one huge difference between the two, he insists.

“The intensity of New Zealand v South Africa is not yet matched by a Test match in the Six Nations. I don’t think they put their bodies on the line with the same ferocity as a South African defending his turf. The Afrikaaner is very physical; he loves tackling and is very brave. It’s the same among the players of island origin in the New Zealand sides. They get huge pleasure out of a big hit.

“So for me, it’s the absolute intensity that is the difference. The southern hemisphere teams hit harder in the contact situations, with or without the ball. In terms of muscularity, speed and size the northern hemisphere teams are up there. It’s just the mental side of it that is different. You don’t see a Schalk Burger type player here with absolutely no fear. Schalk is like a threshing machine. Players here will make the tackle but in the southern hemisphere it is almost an intense hatred of the opposition.

“When they clear you out of a ruck in New Zealand or South Africa, they are doing it so hard to hurt you and saying in effect, ‘Don’t ever come here again’. Bakkies Botha’s cleaning out of England lock Ben Kay in the World Cup final was unbelievable. He hit him so hard in the ribs it was incredible he didn’t break four ribs. There is a lot more cerebral thought in northern hemisphere rugby.

“It is that kind of intensity I’m talking about. South Africa understood their skill levels weren’t as good as New Zealand’s in retaining possession. But their main weapon was to be as destructive as possible when the opposition had the ball. And I think that will always be the case. It stems from the differing cultures. There is more a sense of preservation among French, Italian and northern hemisphere teams.

“There seems to be a lack of thought going into contact in the southern hemisphere. They are just incredibly courageous.”

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