Southern hemisphere rules

It may be a couple of weeks too early for a thorough examination of where the home nations and Ireland stand in the world pecking order, but the early signs are that they have made no inroads into the southern hemisphere's dominance.

With five Tests played so far, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa remain unbeaten and there is little evidence that the status quo will change over the next fortnight.

In recent memory, only Sir Clive Woodward's England had any lasting success against the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks so it should come as no surprise when current results reflect what is a consistent trend throughout history.

But we always live in hope, and if the results don't exactly go the way of the British Isles teams, we at least look for signs of better times ahead. So far, both results and performances have given scant room for optimism.

Critics of England's victory of the Pacific Islanders two weeks ago were right to point out their shortcomings.

England scored some entertaining tries against the Islanders, but these merely served to hide the deficiencies that were exposed during a 14-point defeat on Saturday to an Australia side in transition.

Wales and Scotland may have had their chances to beat South Africa, but they were unable to produce a winning brand of rugby when it mattered, and as for Ireland's effort against New Zealand last weekend, the less said the better.

That may be a little unfair on Declan Kidney's side - after all, a second-string All Blacks had convincingly beaten Scotland a week earlier - but the quiet optimism before the Croke Park clash clearly had little foundation. They rarely looked like scoring in the 22-3 defeat.

England and Wales can rescue some credibility from their two remaining games, but they will have to play at an intensity that has so far been missing from recent performances.

As for Ireland and Scotland, nothing less than victories - over Argentina and Canada respectively - will suffice. The Scots, who appear to be the most improved of the British Isles team, should have few problems against the Canadians, but there is no guarantee Ireland will beat the Pumas.

It may not be the same Argentina team that finished third in last year's World Cup, but a narrow loss to France, followed by a victory last weekend in Italy, is ample proof that Ireland face a huge task if they are to gain revenge for their defeat in the World Cup.

Next up for England is South Africa, who have laboured to narrow wins over Wales and Scotland. The world champions may not be at their best, but they have taken their chances well and defended at a level currently beyond their European rivals.

England's forward effort will need to improve significantly if they are to down the Springboks. The England pack struggled against the Wallabies and if their set-piece and approach to the breakdown does not improve then questions must surely be asked of John Wells (pictured left), their forwards coach.

Wells was in charge of England's forwards when they somehow managed to reach the World Cup final under Brian Ashton. But there has been precious little evidence to suggest the former Leicester stalwart has the ability to forge a pack that can create quick ball for England's talented back-line.

What is the point in having Brian Smith in the coaching set up if his attacking instincts are thwarted by such a stodgy forward philosophy?

And while we're at it, why do England so often insert a forward as their first receiver? If they insist on this safety first approach then they should at least have them taking the ball at pace. A static carrier will never break the gainline.

If England fail to beat South Africa this weekend then they will have next-to-no confidence going into their final game against the All Blacks, who are clearly the best of the touring teams.

Martin Johnson (pictured centre) has been hailed as the saviour of England rugby, and while it is both unfair and unrealistic to expect one man to change fortunes so early into his reign, it is not unreasonable to expect progress.

Johnson also faces the tricky issue of captaincy, similar to that faced by his predecessor Ashton. Steve Borthwick is an able leader, but no more than a decent Premiership lock.

Had he not been wearing the captain's armband, Borthwick would have been hauled off against the Wallabies, rather than the more effective Tom Palmer.

There is every chance that England will finish with three defeats from their four November games. Only then will expectations reflect where this young England team are in terms of development.

Warren Gatland will have a much better idea where his Wales team is after their date with the All Blacks on Saturday. Things have not gone perfectly for Gatland, or his assistant Shaun Edwards, since Wales' marvellous Grand Slam earlier this year.

Wales snapped a three-game losing run - all to South Africa - with a laboured win over Canada last Friday, and defeat on Saturday will make it four losses from their last five games.

Things are no better for Edwards on a domestic front. His club Wasps have won just three of 10 games this season and currently lie second from bottom in the Guinness Premiership. Hardly the records you want for British Lions coaches.

Wales complete their autumn series against Australia, and judging by the All Blacks' dominance on their European tour to-date, that is likely to be their remaining chance of success.

As it stands, southern hemisphere teams still set the standard and the British Isles look to be slipping further behind rather than closing the gap.