World Rugby Rankings

Top 20 in the current World Rugby rankings:

1. New Zealand 92.54
2. Ireland 89.92
3. Wales 88.30
4. England 87.27
5. South Africa 84.58
6. Australia 82.40
7. Scotland 79.61
8. France 78.71
9. Fiji 77.95
10. Argentina 77.05
11. Japan 75.24
12. Georgia 73.93
13. USA 73.66
14. Tonga 73.02
15. Italy 72.75
16. Samoa 68.78
17. Uruguay 67.13
18. Romania 64.95
19. Russia 64.21
20. Spain 63.23

These rankings will probably not change much before the World Cup- at least not the top 7

The Welsh backline is solid, England have a good pack, and Ireland has a good kicking game. 

The one thing though is how will these teams fare on the past pitches of Japan. I suspect some of their forwards might be a bit too slow.

England have no problem upping the temp. As we saw last year when they ran us ragged, forwards and backs! I'd be more concerned with our many of our primary defenders who are easily beaten by a change of direction, or who can be baited out of position. The Welsh have the defence to contain good attacking teams. Ireland are a complete side. It'll certainly be interesting to see how it all pans out. Here's hoping we see these teams turn up healthy and at full strength. 

The ranking of teams while the 6-Nations is underway is meaningless and that remains an interim ranking until the end of the year when all teams have had a chance to compete in tournaments. . 

well, if Wales win to Scotland away and Ireland at home getting the Grand Slam, something feasible, they will also reach the 2nd position

Australia are not a top 5 nation Mike. Though, the Boks are fortunate to be higher than Australia.

Sure the Springboks did not beat the AB's away last year - how lucky can they get?   You are on cloud 9 again???? 

They were fortunate to beat France. Were it not for Louw, we'd have lost 8, not 7. The first England test was fortuitous. The Boks were lucky New Zealand lost their nerve in wellington. Then the game they should have won, they botched, in large part to Rassie and a couple of fan favourites. The Boks could very well have ended 6th. Don't let your crush on Rassie blind you. Again.