By Nick Said CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - The winds of change have swept through international rugby in the past few weeks, with historic firsts and a potential changing of the guard at the top of the world game as northern hemisphere teams flexed their muscles down south.
Ireland’s first series victory in New Zealand has sent them rocketing to the top of the global rankings while their outclassed hosts dropped to fourth, their lowest ever ranking.
England, meanwhile, claimed a 2-1 series victory against Australia and Wales gave world champions South Africa a mighty scare by claiming a first away win against the Springboks, though they ultimately lost the series.
With a little more than 14 months to go to the start of the Rugby World Cup in France, this month's internationals suggest that the tournament will be wide open.