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An old argument has come up once again after the results in the autumn internationals so far - the divide between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Personally I have never believed that this divide has actually existed and again I think that people are reading too much into the results.

Sure the Southern Hemisphere sides have won all the matches played this autumn, but you have to look at the games in the right context.

The Southern Hemisphere sides have come over here at the end of a tough season and they were able to gel together during the competitive Tri-Nations competition.

On the other hand, you have the home nations who have only been together for a couple of weeks and who are still sorting out their squads.

I think the only time you have a true level playing field is during a World Cup because then everybody has time to prepare their squad to peak at the right moment.

Speaking of the World Cup, this weekend's matches have ramifications for the 2011 World Cup seedings.

If England fail to beat South Africa they could drop to a second seeding for the World Cup, which would mean they have to play one of the big sides in the pool stages.

However, I don't think that this would necessarily be a bad thing.

We had a similar situation in 1999 and 2003 but while we got caught out in '99, the early game we had against South Africa in 2003 really helped us get into an early rhythm in the tournament.

You don't want to be caught cold when it comes to the knockout stages but that is the risk if you cruise through the pool stages - just ask New Zealand as that is what happened to them at the last World Cup.

The England players and management will be aware of the ranking issue when they face South Africa on Saturday, but that won't be the reason why they'll win or lose the game.

They are playing the world champions at home and that will be more than enough motivation for them.

It might be much tougher for Ireland in 2010, though, if they lose to Argentina and slip out of the top eight in the rankings.

It is hard to know what has gone wrong with Ireland in the last couple of seasons because there is no doubt they have a fantastic squad of players.

I've never coached or played in Ireland so it is tough for me to put my finger on the reasons why they have underperformed, but one thing that concerns me is the way that their clubs seem to approach the Magners League.

It often appears that they use it as more of a development league for the Heineken Cup - a place where they can bring through players.

You look at Munster, for example, who challenge for the Heineken Cup every single year - but never seem able to compete for the Magners League too.

I would be happier if I saw a greater winning mentality across the board as I think it is difficult to just turn something like that on and off.

You must treat every game as a must win game, and be playing consistently at a high intensity, because it helps you make the right decisions under pressure.

It seems like under Michael Cheika Leinster have started going for the Magners League as well as Europe, which I think can only help develop a winning mentality in Irish rugby.

These autumn internationals have certainly whetted my appetite for next season's Six Nations, which I think will be really competitive.

Wales have an outstanding coaching set-up and squad of players and of course are coming off the back of a championship-winning season.

They have had a few poor performances this autumn but have three of their five Six Nations matches at home, which could be key - and the Lions coaching staff will be looking to make an impression too.

Scotland have been one of the success stories of the autumn so far and I think Mike Brewer coming into the coaching set-up from Leinster has helped add a bit of steel and belief to their squad.

The England squad excites me a lot, as I talked about in my last blog (see link below picture), and they also have three games at home.

Even Italy have looked strong this autumn: they have levelled the playing field a lot in recent years. With every side you have the potential for a close game.

I always look forward to the Six Nations and it should be a great competition next year, although it is still far too early to pick a winner.

Neil Back / Eurosport