Latest World Rankings

World Rugby/Cap Gemini release the latest rankings ahead of Friday’s RWC Opening Ceremony

In a final reshuffle of the deck before the tournament gets underway, the latest rankings confirm the impact of this summer’s warm-up games, potentially adding some extra spice to spectator banter and bragging rights. Of particular note:

1) Ireland 6) Argentina

2) South Africa 7) Fiji

3) France 8) England

4) New Zealand 9) Australia

5) Scotland 10) Wales

While the powerhouse nations at the top of the global game retain their top 4 status, the weaker performance of other teams during the last two seasons has made the Pool picks selected in December 2020 look decidedly out of wack. The top 5 teams (Ireland, South Africa, France, New Zealand and Scotland) are all in one half of the draw, meaning three will not be in the semi-finals. That is no doubt a relief to the undeperforming English, Australian and Welsh squads and offers a wonderful opportunity to the now consistently strong Argentine team. However, spectators might feel slightly disgruntled that the picks were made so far in advance of the tournament when the rankings had some marked differences. In December 2020, the top teams were:

1) South Africa; 2) England; 3) New Zealand; 4) France (up from 7th a year earlier); 5) Ireland; 6) Australia; 7) Scotland (9th); 8) Argentina; 9) Wales (down from 4th); 10) Japan. Fiji were ranked 11th. What a difference 2 1/2 years makes and given the improved performance of the “Tier 2” nations (Fiji and Georgia, for example), Pool selctions closer to the actual tournament become a matter of reality, and fairness.