Samoa are on the verge of knocking Wales out of the top eight after the provisional rankings were released.
The IRB World Rankings will be confirmed at midday UK time on Monday 19 November.
Samoa, who defeated Wales in Cardiff on Friday, will be in ninth, but only 0.16 ratings points behind Wales in eighth. Samoa face France on Saturday.
Australia strengthened their grip on a top-four seeding for the RWC 2015 Pool Allocation Draw by defeating England at Twickenham. France have also taken a step towards being amongst the top four for the December 3 pool draw after they defeated Argentina by 17 points in Lille. France will be in fourth in Monday's rankings, more than three ratings points ahead of England.
Latest provisional IRB World Rankings - top 12
1 New Zealand 92.91
2 South Africa 86.05
3 Australia 85.94
4 France 84.99
5 England 81.96
6 Argentina 79.89
7 Ireland 79.04
8 Wales 78.95
9 Samoa 78.79
10 Scotland 77.42
11 Italy 76.61
12 Tonga 74.51
With thanks to the IRB
Comments
Andy1000 says...
Its not unfeasiible to have a pool of Nz, England and Wales which would be interesting.
Posted 09:31 19th November 2012
Rightside2 says...
Come on who would normally expect Samoa to beat Italy or Wales or Scotland. The Rugby Championship Teams and the 6 Nations teams would expect to beat all teams outside. Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, maybe have an upset now and again. I am Irish I think Wales are better than Ireland last 12 months.......I wonder would the bookies agree! The top end looks about right. What ever happened Romania, didn't they used to have a team in the Heiniken Cup?
Posted 08:55 19th November 2012
sonsofsamoa says...
It will definitely not be an easy game for Samoa, even though Samoa has beaten Wales convincingly. Samoa undoubtedly remains the "underdog" side for this game and I believe that's when Samoa are at their strongest. France is on an all time high, beating an injury ravaged and inconsistent Wallabies side and a fatigued Argentine side.. France are expected to win as they are in top form, but if Samoa do the impossible and beat this in form French side, it would be such a sweet victory and would silence many critics. And the fact that if Samoa wins and improves our ranking it would definitely be convenient for a second place seeding at RWC 2015
Posted 07:44 19th November 2012