Tuesday Morning Round Up

Latest World Rankings

Rugby World Cup 2019 hosts Japan equal their best-ever World Rugby Ranking after winning the Pacific Nations Cup while England moved up a place after ending Wales' record winning run.

Wales failed to grasp their opportunity to go top of the world rankings as England claimed a 33-19 win over Warren Gatland's side. Australia's win over the All Blacks on Saturday meant Wales could end the weekend as the highest-ranked test side but they had to beat England to retain top spot. Had England scored one more point against Wales, Ireland would have moved into second place in the World rankings with Wales dropping to third. Read more

Vunipola: England have put 2015 Rugby World Cup failure behind them

"That was done four years ago. As soon as it was done it was old news," Vunipola said insisting England will not be dwelling on their early Rugby World Cup exit four years ago when they head to Japan.

"For us, it's about creating our own legacy and we managed to do that after the World Cup. We managed to win the Six Nations [in 2016 and 2017] and we need to believe that we can be successful and that it’s within our grasp.

"I put it quite bluntly, but I truly believe it, I truly believe we can win the World Cup." Read more

Confirmed: Gareth Anscombe to miss the Rugby World Cup

Wales have confirmed that Gareth Anscombe has been ruled out of Rugby World Cup contention after sustaining an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in the match against England.

The fly-half was helped off in the first half at Twickenham with a damaged left knee. Anscombe watched on with a pair of crutches as rusty Wales incurred a loss which prevented them from replacing New Zealand at the top of the rankings.

The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed that his prognosis and management with be determined following further specialist reviews.

Erasmus looks ahead to the Boks final 80 before heading to Japan

The Springboks were preparing to launch themselves into the Rugby World Cup with a momentum-boosting performance at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, said Rassie Erasmus, director of rugby, on the team’s victorious return from overseas on Monday morning.

“...We’re determined to build on the momentum we’ve produced over the past few weekends and we’re really looking forward to ticking a few more boxes before we leave for Japan," Erasmus said.

“This is the last 80 minutes we will have before reaching Japan and then we have only one match there before playing New Zealand so this match is very important to the campaign.

“We don’t know what team Argentina will pick but you can be sure they’ll be going all out to end their pre-Rugby World Cup campaign with a morale-boosting win.” Read more

Wallabies wary of Eden Park 'beast'

It was a sweet return to the Bledisloe arena for Wallabies halfback Nic White, picking up a try in the win over the All Blacks. Hear what the Man of the Match had to say after the final whistle.

Scott Barrett banned for three weeks after red card

Another angle on Barrett’s hit on Hooper 🤕

(Via: @FOXRUGBY) pic.twitter.com/txRbcflcT6

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) August 12, 2019

All Blacks lock Scott Barrett has been slapped with a three-week ban following his red card against the Wallabies on Saturday.

The 25-year-old, who pleaded guilty, was given a red card after a no arms tackle on Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper in final minute of the first half in Perth.

Barrett will now miss this weekend's test against Australia with the ban lasting until Sunday September 1. He will be free to play in the All Blacks' final warm-up test against Tonga on September 7 and for the start of the Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Championship Try of the Week