World Rankings: Springboks’ lead halved, and how the Six Nations affected the top 10
The Andy Farrell-led squad outperformed Les Bleus this past weekend, winning 38-17 away from home. Ireland’s score of 92.11, 2.43 points behind world champions South Africa, rose by 1.54 points after their convincing victory.
Expensive for France
The French team’s new ranking in the top 10 is a reflection of their subpar performance in Marseille. The Springboks, Ireland, New Zealand, and Les Bleus formed a distinct top four for a large portion of 2023, but Fabien Galthie’s team has fallen off the pace.
They are now 3.52 points behind the All Blacks in third position after their most recent loss, which came after the heartbreaking Rugby World Cup quarterfinal loss to the Boks.
Consequently, England is gaining ground on them following their World Cup bronze medal and their debut Six Nations victory, a 27-24 victory over Italy.
They only gained 0.34 points from that victory, but it was still enough to put them within striking distance of the French at 85.80.
Scotland, having just narrowly defeated Wales, is also not too far away. They came very close to losing a 27-0 lead, but in the end they prevailed 27-26, earning 1.02 ranking points.
The rankings are intact following that outcome, with Warren Gatland’s team in ninth place. However, following the games the following weekend, there may be a few shifts in the standings.
The biggest move occurred outside of the top 10, as Portugal, which delighted everyone with their performance in the World Cup, went from first place to 16th after losing shockingly to Belgium.
The Black Devils, meanwhile, advanced three to 26 after winning 10-6 at home.
Week of global rankings starting on May 2, 2024
- (1) South Africa, 94.54
- (2) Ireland 92.11
- (3) New Zealand 89.80
- (4) France 86.28
- (5) England 85.80
- (6) Scotland 84.45
- (7) Argentina 80.68
- (8) Wales 79.62
- (9) Australia 77.48
- (10) Fiji 76.38