Argentina’s convincing 43-20 win over Ireland and Australia’s dramatic 35-34 defeat of Scotland on Sunday ensured that for the first time all four World Cup semi-finalists would come from the southern hemisphere.
With defending champions New Zealand thrashing France 62-13 and South Africa seeing off Wales 23-19 on Saturday, the weekend’s quarter-final results sparked plenty of soul-searching regarding the state of northern hemisphere rugby union.
Below AFP Sport looks at the semi-final and final split at previous World Cups:
1987
Semi-finalists
Northern: France, Wales
Southern: New Zealand, Australia
Final
Northern: France
Southern: New Zealand
Winner: New Zealand
1991
Semi-finalists
Northern: England, Scotland
Southern: Australia, New Zealand
Final
Northern: England
Southern: Australia
Winner: Australia
1995
Semi-finalists
Northern: England, France
Southern: New Zealand, South Africa
Final
Southern: New Zealand, South Africa
Winner: South Africa
1999
Semi-finalists
Northern: France
Southern: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
Final
Northern: France
Southern: Australia
Winner: Australia
2003
Semi-finalists
Northern: England, France
Southern: Australia, New Zealand
Final
Northern: England
Southern: Australia
Winner: England
2007
Semi-finalists
Northern: England, France
Southern: Argentina, South Africa
Final
Northern: England
Southern: South Africa
Winner: South Africa
2011
Semi-finalists
Northern: France, Wales
Southern: Australia, New Zealand
Final
Northern: France
Southern: New Zealand
Winner: New Zealand