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Butch: North and south are close

Cape Town - The World Cup semi-finals have suggested that southern hemisphere rugby is in a far healthier state than northern hemisphere rugby, but former Springbok flyhalf Butch James disagrees. 

Speaking via a video he posted to his Twitter page, James said that the make-up of the semi-finalists at the tournament could very easily have been different.

"A lot of people are saying there's a big difference between southern hemisphere and northern hemisphere teams but I don't think so," the 2007 World Cup winner said.

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"Scotland could easily have won that one (quarter-final against Australia) and Ireland, if it wasn't for all of their injuries, I think could well have pushed Argentina and could maybe even have beaten them.

"Just look at the South Africa, Wales game... also anyone's game decided in the last couple of minutes so I don't think that because no northern hemisphere team is in the (semi) final, I don't think the gap is as big as everyone is saying."

The Springboks take on the All Blacks in the weekend's first semi-final on Saturday. while Argentina take on Australia on Sunday. 

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