It's rugby's annual battle of the hemispheres and the north are getting cocky about their chances over their southern rivals for the November Tests in Europe.

Both ends of Britain's extensive array of media see rays of hope for the northern sides, The Times suggesting the All Blacks are "running on empty" as they finish off a long, draining season and the Daily Mail declaring, "the north has the upper hand in autumn warm-up international as rugby's balance of power shifts".

Spring lambs: The beleaguered Wallabies are 'there for the taking', wrote Chris Foy in the Daily Mail. Credit:AAP

These are bold statements and are based around rankings as much as current form with Ireland, Wales and England now sitting immediately behind world No.1 New Zealand.

But don't expect any lack of motivation from the All Blacks as The Times noted about the overdue clash with England at Twickenham on November 10, their first meeting since late 2014 when New Zealand squeaked by 24-21 in London.