3. Wallabies, Springboks wins even the score up.

Where does the balance of power lie? In the Southern Hemisphere or the north? Or in between? Remarkably, the Rugby Championship teams finished the calendar year with 13 wins, 13 losses and a draw against the Six Nations teams.

With a year to go until the Rugby World Cup, there is nothing between the hemispheres, which is one reason why so many Test coaches have found themselves under intense scrutiny this year. Eddie Jones, for example, won one from four Tests during November - and none against the Rugby Championship sides.

4. No pressure NSW, but you are a top six side.

A back line of Gordon, Edmed, Pietsch, Foketi, Perese, Nawaqanitawase, Donaldson. Back-row depth in Hooper, Harris, Gleeson, Swinton, Gamble and Hanigan or Holloway.

That’s a good footy side in the making. The Waratahs have publicly targeted a top four finish in Super Rugby Pacific in 2023, but let’s go with top six in recognition that the Crusaders, Blues, Brumbies and Chiefs will go OK.

Darren Coleman’s side will lose the element of surprise next year, but if they stay grounded and get a good run with injuries there could be something building in NSW.

5. My Rugby World Cup rankings.

Forget the Rassie Erasmus soap opera, the Springboks have enjoyed a significant November. They dismantled England at Twickenham on Saturday - beat them with the ball in hand and set-piece - and have discovered a brilliant new winger in Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Looking ahead to the Rugby World Cup - and the draw that puts France, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa on the same side - they are No 2 in my rankings, behind France. My top six are as follows: 1. France 2. South Africa 3. England. 4. New Zealand. 5. Ireland 6. Australia.

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The Irish will be up in arms, but they have to get the irreplaceable Johnny Sexton through another 12 months and will face either France or New Zealand in the quarter-finals.