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.
1987 Final — Northern: France. Southern: New Zealand. Winner: New Zealand.
1991Semi-finalists — Northern: England, Scotland. Southern: Australia, New Zealand.
1991 Final — Northern: England. Southern: Australia . Winner: Australia.
1995 Semi-finalists — Northern: England, France. Southern: New Zealand, South Africa.
1995 Final — Southern: New Zealand, South Africa. Winner: South Africa.
1999 Semi-finalists — Northern: France. Southern: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
1999 Final — Northern: France. Southern: Australia. Winner: Australia.
2003 Semi-finalists — Northern: England, France. Southern: Australia, New Zealand.
2003 Final — Northern: England. Southern: Australia. Winner: England.
2007 Semi-finalists — Northern: England, France. Southern: Argentina, South Africa.
2007 Final — Northern: England. Southern: South Africa. Winner: South Africa.
2011 Semi-finalists — Northern: France, Wales. Southern: Australia, New Zealand.
2011 Final — Northern: France. Southern: New Zealand. Winner: New Zealand.
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