Wales have dropped to an equal all-time low in the world rankings after suffering their third defeat in three Six Nations Tests in 2023.
Warren Gatland’s side fell short of England over the weekend, losing 20-10 in Cardiff, which has resulted in a drop to 10th in the rankings, with their rating being reduced to 76.88. However, Japan benefits from the turmoil in Wales, moving up to ninth in the world.
In danger of dropping out of the top 10
Their new rating is less than a point above 11th-placed Samoa, and with games against a strong Italy side and France left in the Six Nations, Wales will have to be careful not to fall out of the top 10 for the first time in their history.
The last time Wales were ranked this low in the world was in 2013, and they swiftly responded with a 16-6 victory in Paris against France. However, it must be said that it is all for Gatland’s men to do in Rome against a spirited Italian side who beat them last season.
Tight between fourth and fifth
England made ground on fourth-placed Scotland after their Wales win and the Scots’ 32-21 loss to France. The gap between the two sides is just 0.15 of a point.
Ireland earned no points in their 34-20 win over Italy, allowing Les Bleus to chop their lead at the top to 1.86 points.
Latest World Rugby rankings (as of 27/02/2023)
1. Ireland 91.33
2. France 89.47
3. New Zealand 88.98
4. South Africa 88.97
5. Scotland 83.26
6. England 83.11
7. Australia 81.80
8. Argentina 80.72
9. Japan 77.39
10. Wales 76.88
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11. Samoa 76.03
12. Georgia 75.94
13. Italy 75.83
14. Fiji 74.84
15. Tonga 71.21
16. Portugal 66.94
17. Spain 66.42
18. Uruguay 66.24
19. USA 65.92
20. Romania 64.45