History Made As Shock All Blacks Defeat Means Massive World Rugby Rankings Shift
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Dethroned.
Wales have moved to the top of the World Rugby Rankings for the first time in history following New Zealand’s shock record 47-26 defeat to Australia in Perth this morning.
The back-to-back World Champions only held a 1.58 point lead over Wales in the rankings ahead of today’s match with Australia.
The shock defeat to their neighbours has resulted in the All Blacks being knocked off the top of the rankings for the first time since November 2009, with Wales taking their place.
England and South Africa were the only other countries to have occupied time at the top of the rankings. A win or draw against England tomorrow will make it official for Wales, but a defeat however – will see them move back to second.
But with Gatland putting a full strength Grand Slam-winning Wales side out tomorrow and England leaving out a number of their frontline stars – we wouldn’t bet against Wales being the number one team in the world when the rankings are officially released on Monday morning.
Huge! Australia thrash a 14 man New Zealand to record a monumental win over the ABs.
This mean Wales go top of the World Rankings for the first time ever. To stay there they need to draw or beat England tomorrow in Twickenham. Massive game.#rugby #rugbyunited #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/3jPkvUieLb
— Rugby4Cast (@Rugby4Cast) August 10, 2019