An eventful weekend in the Six Nations has seen a big shift at the top of the global standings. The latest World Rugby rankings have been announced following a weekend that saw dramatic results impacting the standings for the first time in weeks. Ireland’s hopes of a Grand Slam victory were shattered by France in a thrilling 27-42 win in Dublin, putting France in the lead to win the championship title. Ireland’s defeat to France has caused them to slip to third place in the rankings, a position they briefly held during the autumn. The Irish team lost 1.65 ranking points while France gained the same amount, bringing them into contention.
The unexpected outcome of the Ireland-France match has not just affected the Six Nations tournament but has also triggered changes in the global rankings. With Ireland now in third place, New Zealand has reclaimed the second spot. Even a win over Italy would not be enough for Ireland to regain the second position before the summer. England’s bonus point victory over Italy has pushed them closer to the top five, just 0.60 points behind Argentina. A win over Wales in the final Six Nations match could see England make further progress in the rankings.
Italy suffered a loss to England, causing them to drop in the rankings, but they are still holding onto their spot in the top 10. Wales, currently in 12th place, is expected to remain outside the top 10 for most of the year. However, a potential win over England in the upcoming match could see them climb to 11th place, displacing Georgia. The Welsh team aims to end their losing streak of 16 matches and avoid the wooden spoon, boosting their ranking in the process.
The new World Rugby rankings as of March 10 stand with South Africa leading the table, followed by New Zealand in second place. Ireland is now in third place, with France closing in on them. England, Scotland, and Australia maintain their positions within the top 10, with Italy holding onto the 10th spot. The rankings reflect the recent outcomes in the Six Nations matches and set the stage for further developments in the upcoming games. The shifts in the rankings indicate the fierce competition and unpredictability of international rugby.
Despite the rankings shake-up, the Six Nations tournament remains an open field with multiple teams vying for the championship title. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the final standings and could lead to further changes in the global rankings. As nations prepare for the last games of the tournament, the teams are gearing up to showcase their best performances and secure their positions in the rugby world. The shifts in the rankings highlight the intensity and excitement of international rugby and set the stage for thrilling matchups in the future.
In conclusion, the latest World Rugby rankings reveal the impact of the recent Six Nations matches on the global standings. With Ireland slipping to third place and France gaining ground, the competition is heating up as teams strive to assert their dominance on the international stage. The upcoming games will be pivotal in shaping the final standings and determining the top teams in world rugby. As the tournament unfolds, rugby fans can expect more twists and turns in the rankings, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the sport.