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Wales slump to record low in world rankings

115 days ago

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08: Josh Adams of Wales is tackled by Ange Capuozzo of Italy during the Guinness Six Nations 2025 match between Italy and Wales at Stadio Olimpico on February 08, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Wales’ 22-15 defeat to Italy has seen Warren Gatland’s team sink to their lowest-ever position in the world rankings.

With Georgia beating the Netherlands in the Rugby Europe Championship in the earlier match on Saturday, Wales needed to draw or win against the Azzurri to hang on to 11th place.

However, they now find themselves down in 12th place after falling to a crushing 14th straight Test defeat in the Rome rain, with the Lelos equalling their best-ever position of 11th.

While Georgia’s rating remains at 73.86 points, Wales’ has been reduced to 73.75 with a loss of 0.26 points.

Wales are now only eight-tenths of a point better off than Japan, who they will meet in a crucial two-test series in July.

Unfavourable results in Kitakyushu and Kobe would likely result in Wales dropping out of the second band of seeds (7th to 12th) for the 2027 World Cup draw – unless they can somehow turn around their form in the remaining three rounds of the Six Nations.

England’s 26-25 win over France, meanwhile, has given them a chance of moving into the top band of seeds (1st to 6th) this weekend.

As things stand, England are still in seventh place with France in fourth, but any form of a win for Ireland over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon would move Steve Borthwick’s battlers up a place at the expense of the Scots.

England gained 1.32 points for their last-gasp win over Les Bleus and have a new rating of 83.63 points.

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Jon 28 minutes ago

Why Brumbies could be key to avoiding a Lions tour cricket score

Hey Nick, thanks for the article. Less teams, mean more combinations which can only be a good thing for The Wallabies and Wales when or if they finally reduce to 3 teams. It would certainly give The Wallabies a kick start to stick with a Brumbies heavy team but very unlikely that Joe will go that way. He will probably just pick the best player for each position.

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Sam T 36 minutes ago

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The Brumbies were very clinical and patient with their phase play inside the Hurricanes 22 to break down their defence, however they had far fewer entries because they conceded too much territory and possession to the Canes.

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SC 1 hour ago

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BA 2 hours ago

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IkeaBoy 2 hours ago

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My life is a constant comedy!

Work life anyways.

Your sense of humour is a credit to you, Ed!

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Fishman 2 hours ago

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Hey Nick. Foketi an improvement at 12? I think that’s a bit unfair on Feliuai, who’s been really impressive this year… at least to my eye

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I'd never block you!!!! That's what I meant.

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I thought it could easily be misinterpreted. Bruising and stuff. Not cool.

I'm too afraid to re-read any of my other posts!

The fear, Ed🤒

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Ed the Duck 4 hours ago

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“She just got unreasonably angry”

Ike you’ve got to stop, you’re killing me here…😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

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YeowNotEven 4 hours ago