World Rugby rankings: Wales crash to all-time low as England replace Scotland for now after shock win
Wales have fallen to an all-time low in the World Rugby rankings.
Saturday’s Six Nations action has had a huge impact on the World Rugby rankings which will be officially updated on Monday.
Wales suffered their 14th successive defeat in round two of the tournament, falling to a 22-15 loss at the hands of Italy.
Meanwhile, England produced a massive shock, knocking over France at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham to blow the Six Nations wide open.
The two results have led to changes to the world rankings, with England’s final placing still reliant on what occurs on Sunday.
England rise, Scotland fall
England’s win over France has seen them move above Scotland into sixth place in the rankings after earning 1.32 ranking points with their one-point victory.
Les Bleus remain in fourth place and will remain there regardless of what unfolds at Murrayfield in the final game of the weekend.
However, there are implications for England as Scotland will reclaim sixth spot even with a draw against Ireland.
But anything less than a stalemate for Gregor Townsend’s men will see them head into round three in seventh position.
A draw or a defeat for Ireland will see New Zealand move into second place while Scotland can move into fifth, ahead of Argentina if they beat Simon Easterby’s side by more than 15 points.
Fin Smith leads England to shock win over France that blows Six Nations wide open
Wales’ new low
While Italy gained 0.26 rating points for their victory over Wales, it will not be enough to see them surpass Fiji in ninth place as the Pacific Islanders still hold a 1.40 rating point buffer.
However, Warren Gatland’s men have slipped below Georgia for the first time since the rankings were introduced after losing 0.26 rating points. The two nations switch positions with Wales now in 12th place.
Lelos did not earn any rating points from their 40-7 victory over the Netherlands but the deduction for Wales was enough to result in a rankings drop.
Wales woes deepen as history-making Italy inflict FOURTEENTH straight loss on Six Nations strugglers
Current World Rugby rankings (As of 08/02/2024)
1 South Africa 92.78
2 Ireland 90.78
3 New Zealand 90.36
4 France 87.19 (-1.32)
5 Argentina 84.97
6 England 83.63 (+1.32)
7 Scotland 83.57
8 Australia 81.52
9 Fiji 80.07
10 Italy 78.67 (+0.26)
11 Georgia 73.85
12 Wales 73.75 (-0.26)
13 Japan 72.95
14 Samoa 72.68
15 USA 70.02
16 Portugal 68.82
17 Uruguay 67.06
18 Spain 65.98
19 Tonga 65.46
20 Romania 63.01
