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Late try spares Ireland from further ignominy in world rankings
By Jon Newcombe
Ireland have lost second place to New Zealand in the world rankings after their 42-27 home defeat to France in the Six Nations, but the damage could have been worse.
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Until replacement No8 Jack Conan celebrated his 50th cap with a try at the death and Sam Prendergast knocked over the conversion, Ireland were staring at a two-place fall to fourth.
The margin of defeat is one factor that World Rugby uses to determine how big an impact particular results will have on the rankings, and a defeat of more than 15 points would have seen them drop below Les Bleus, who remain in fourth place, as well as the All Blacks.
Ireland would have lost 2.48 points had Prendergast failed with his conversion attempt. Instead, their rating was reduced by 1.65 points to 89.71, which leaves them two-tenths of a point better off than Les Bleus.
When World Rugby officially update the rankings at noon on Monday (GMT), Ireland will be outside of the world’s top two for only the second time since the end of the 2023 World Cup. Ireland spent one week in third when they were beaten for the first time at home in 20 matches by the All Blacks at the start of the Autumn Nations Series.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s 35-29 win over Wales at Murrayfield in the second of Saturday’s matches did not affect the rankings, with the home team remaining in seventh on 82.36 points and Wales 11th on 73.75 points.
The final match of the penultimate round between England and Italy at Allianz Stadium will have little impact on the rankings unless the Azzurri create history and win for the first time in the fixture at the 32nd attempt.
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For Italy to improve on 10th, they would not only have to beat England for the first time but also by a margin of more than 15 points
This is slightly off topic, but any idea where i can find more information on the Nations cup of 2026?
I’ve been looking, not easily found. I’ll revert here if I do.
Since 1987 there have been 10 x RWCs played by between 20 - 25 different nations each and every time! Between SA (4 x RWCs); NZ (3 x RWCs) & AUS (2 x RWCs) all but one of the RWCs have been won by Southern Hemisphere teams. Although I am a Springbok supporter, I would rather have France/Ireland win the 2027 RWC, IF NOT THE SPRINGBOKS for a record 5th time!
UK/Ireland and France arguing over rankings. Hold No1 for 10yrs then you have you have something to talk about like NZ did. NZ/Sth Africa will dominate always, 2027 WC won’t be any different, and you lot will still be going on about rankings.
Did you just make all that up? Another Kiwi/Saffer boasting?
We’re not arguing over rankings. This is a comment section about an article mentioning rankings which are relevant to the RWC draw.
Back in RC 2024, when SA lost top ranking spot, there were 1000s of irate comments mainly from Saffers about rankings. But sure, they are not interested at all.
France have been ahead of us for the last while, despite the rankings. Their U20’s and top 14 structures will keep them there.
I'm happy enough. We’re naturally a 4th or 5th ranked team capable of beating any of the big boys home or away with a sprinkling of home grown, world class players. (Keenan, Ringrose, Doris, JVDF, Bernie, Porter, Furlong).
I've no problem with the top 2 being the reserve of Webb Ellis winners with rugby as their national sport.
If going on current date quality I would argue that France are well ahead of NZ and SA. Hats off to them. Best team Ireland played since the great NZ team of 2011-2015. . Well ahead. I wouldn’t argue that Ireland are on current date form in really in 4th position either. While the rankings take a while to catch up, this applies to the way up as well as the way down. These things even out.
I don’t think France are too bothered about the rankings as long as they are top 4 and don’t get shafted by the draw again. Same for Ireland. Top 4 in early 2026 is whats required.
Others like Scotland are interested for other practical reasons as they need to be top6 for a ranking 1 RWC draw. While the RWC 2023 draw de facto eliminated them by putting them in a Pool with SA/IRL, England benefitted massively with an easy run to the semi. This resulted in a 6 point swing to England over the tournament. Scotland deserve a break I hope they are able to break out of that cycle. The no1 obsession is a southern one. Some NZ supporters need evidence to back a national identity as the premier rugby nations. When the Saffers lost no1 by losing to the Argentina in the 2024 RC, 3 related articles on this platform garnered almost a thousand comments, mostly from a certain type of raging Saffer. Both camps rarely admit any other #1 team is the best unless its themselves. EG Saffers losing it (in all ways) in 2024 as above. Best leave them at it.
Why does top 4 matter? Top 6 is what matters for the draw.
It’s a good thing everyone knows you don’t have a clue, Turlough.
You just crap on and on and on about the same sh it. You must have low key brain damage.
The only one here obsessing about the number one ranking is you, you addlepated fckwit. Nobody else cares.
Grow up. Move on. Get a life.
Finally Ireland’s ranking is now more accurate but in reality France should also be ahead of them.
France lost to England 2 weeks ago.