The Latest World Rankings Are Out

The latest world rankings are out and thee’s a lot to play for on the final day of the Six Nations.

Wales’ win over Ireland has put them virtually one rating point behind Ireland (1.02) in the World Rugby Rankings, knowing that victory in Paris could potentially result in them moving into the world’s top four, and the first band of seeds for the RWC 2019 draw on 10 May, if Ireland lose points against England in Dublin.

For France, victory will guarantee them their place in the top eight and a place in the second bands of seeds. Les Bleus picked up 0.64 of a rating point for their 40-18 win over Italy in Rome to extend their points cushion over ninth-placed Argentina to 1.3 points.

Italy have now lost 10 in a row in Rome and a further loss of rating points has seen them slip one place in the rankings to 15th with Samoa the beneficiaries.

Scotland did not lose any points despite coming out on the wrong side of a 61-21 scoreline, meaning they hang on to fifth place – but only just. Scotland are now on 82.18 points, just two hundredths above Wales.

The weekend’s results also mean South Africa drop to their lowest ever position, having dropped to seventh.

[World Rugby]