South Africa Slide as Rankings Shake Up
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The latest world rugby rankings have delivered big changes in both the men’s and women’s game. South Africa’s fall in the men’s standings is the headline, while in the women’s table Japan and Fiji made major jumps. With test matches continuing around the globe, the race for position is heating up.
Men’s Rankings: South Africa Slip as Ireland Rise
The latest men’s world rugby rankings have brought major changes at the top. South Africa have dropped to third place on 88.99 points. Ireland move up into second on 89.38 after strong performances. New Zealand stay number one on 91.35 and continue to lead the way.
France are fourth with 87.92 and England are fifth on 87.64. Australia sit in sixth, Argentina seventh and Scotland eighth. Fiji are ninth on 81.86 after a solid run and Italy close the top ten with 77.77.
Tonga were the biggest movers, climbing seven places to 16th after some strong results. Uruguay went down four places to 17th, Portugal slipped to 18th and the USA dropped three spots to 19th. Georgia in 11th, Wales in 12th and Japan in 13th remain just outside the top bracket but need consistency to challenge further.
Women’s Rankings: England Dominate, Japan and Fiji Rising
In the women’s rankings England remain far ahead of the rest. They lead with 97.76 points. Canada are second on 90.13 and New Zealand third on 88.76. France are fourth with 85.82 and Ireland complete the top five on 78.79.
Scotland are sixth, Australia seventh, USA eighth, Italy ninth and South Africa tenth.
The biggest moves came just outside the top ten. Japan jumped 12 places to 11th while Fiji rose 14 spots to 13th. On the other hand Wales fell 11 places to 12th and Spain dropped 13 spots to 14th.
A Tight Race Ahead
In the men’s game New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa are now in a close fight at the top. In the women’s game England stay clear but Japan and Fiji are pushing their way up the table. The rankings show how quickly things can change and how much every international match now matters.
