PREVIEW-Rugby-Time for Europe to take some southern scalps

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - A year ago Europe's rugby powers were steamrollered by the southern hemisphere nations and, at the midway point between World Cups, they need to start showing they can compete if they are to be serious contenders in 2011.

The next four weekends give them that opportunity, kicking off with Wales's chance to end their 56-year drought against New Zealand and closing with a Dublin showdown between Six Nations champions Ireland and world and Tri Nations champions South Africa.

Australia will bid to emulate the class of 1984 with a grand slam, Italy play the All Blacks in front of 80,000 at Milan's San Siro stadium and Jonny Wilkinson returns for England.

Argentina, Fiji and Samoa complete a lineup of the world's 12 top-ranked teams as the jockeying for position hots up.

There is certainly no question over who is number one. South Africa began their season by beating the British and Irish Lions 2-1 in a monumental series, then beat New Zealand three times en route to winning the Tri Nations.

They start their tour in France on Nov. 14 before playing Italy and Ireland on Nov. 28.

"People ask what more we want to achieve but this group of players hasn't beaten France away or played at Croke Park so it's all new," Springbok lock Victor Matfield told Rugby World magazine.