Rugby World Cup power rankings: Week three's movers and shakers
The pool stages of the 2019 Rugby World Cup are beginning to wrap up and there has been further movement in RugbyPass’ power rankings from week two, as a number of sides have now concluded their group stage campaigns.
Both South Africa and England have maintained their early form, putting pressure on New Zealand at the top, whilst Argentina were the first of the tier one nations to have their exit from the tournament confirmed, following their 39-10 loss to England.
Check out the latest movement below, as we gear up for the final weekend of the pool stages from Japan and the beginning of the knockout rounds.
- New Zealand (Previous rank: 1)
The All Blacks’ final game of the group comes against Italy on Saturday, in what should prove to be a step up in competition from their games against Canada and Namibia. Steve Hansen’s side are chugging along nicely and should cruise into the quarter-finals, where they could meet Ireland.
Continue reading below…
Watch: Hawkeye is on World Rugby’s radar
- England (Previous rank: 2)
A red card to Tomas Lavanini didn’t help Los Pumas test England and Eddie Jones and his charges ended up cruising to a comfortable 39-10 win over the South American side. England are yet to be really challenged in the tournament, although they have looked professional and not short of firepower in all three wins so far.
- South Africa (Previous rank: 3)
The Springboks looked as though they might put 100 points on Canada on Tuesday, only for the North Americans to tighten up in the second half. Nevertheless, South Africa look in a good place going into the quarter-finals and they have an extended rest period before they take on their knockout round opponents which, in a potentially salivating Rugby World Cup rematch, could be Japan.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1181569112511848449?s=20
- Wales (Previous rank: 4)
Warren Gatland’s side just hold on to fourth spot following their 29-17 win over Fiji, although it was a performance arguably short of the standards they would be looking to impose at this point in time. Fiji were unlucky not to take more from the game, although Wales are now in complete control of Pool D going into their final game with Uruguay.
- Japan (Previous rank: 5)
The hosts might not be the most talented team on paper or have the most extensive depth in their player pool, but they are showing good handling skills, an all-round game and an unsurprising ability to deal with the weather conditions. It could be winner takes all when they play Scotland on Sunday, should Ireland not slip up before then.
- Ireland (Previous rank: 6)
Ireland haven’t played since the last power rankings and there has been little opportunity for them to move up or down. Their quarter-final hopes are in their own hands, they just have to avoid the banana skin that Samoa represent in Fukuoka on Saturday.
- Australia (Previous rank: 7)
The Wallabies were professional in their defeat of Uruguay on Saturday, although there were a number of chances that went spurned and they were on the fortuitous end of the referee’s whistle. Their final pool game comes against Georgia on Friday
- France (Previous rank: 8)
France are winning, which you could argue is all that matters, though their performances have left a lot to be desired. They were pushed right to the brink by Tonga at the weekend and although their place in the quarter-finals is already secured, they do not currently look like a team that can make it to the semi-finals. Of course, with captain Guilhem Guirado reportedly at the heart of a player mutiny in Japan, anything is possible for Les Bleus.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1181336242748678144?s=20
- Scotland (Previous rank: 11, up 2)
Consummately saw off Russia with a heavily rotated side on Wednesday, backing up the retaliation their first XV showed against Samoa the week before. Though there are still plenty of areas that Gregor Townsend’s side need to improve if they are to make the knockout rounds, they at least head towards their game against Japan with renewed confidence and some measure of momentum.
- Fiji (Previous rank: 12, up 2)
The Flying Fijians move up two spots despite losing to Wales thanks to the ability they showed in that contest, as well as how competitive they made the game. It was a truer reflection of where Fiji are currently in their development than the losses to Uruguay or Australia showed.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1181707069361012737?s=20
- Argentina (Previous rank: 9, down 2)
The first tier one nation to be knocked out of the tournament, this has been a campaign to forget for Argentina. After losing the crunch match with France at the beginning of the Rugby World Cup, they laboured against Tonga and were well beaten by England. They finally fired some shots against the USA, though they were still short of convincing.
- Tonga (Previous rank: 14, up 2)
The Sea Eagles have really done themselves proud in this Rugby World Cup and after coming closer to an upset against Argentina than the scoreline illustrated, they gave France a mighty scare on Sunday. Although they have yet to win, they have exceeded pre-tournament expectations and should go into their final game with the USA as favourites based on form over the past few weeks.
- Italy (Previous rank: 10, down 3)
The 49-3 loss to South Africa was a wake-up moment for the Azzurri, who had looked comfortable previously against the tier two opposition in their pool. They were comfortably outplayed by the Springboks and now have one last shot at coming away from the tournament with a major scalp, as they play the All Blacks on Saturday.
- Georgia (Previous rank: 13, down 1)
In all honesty, Georgia have struggled to live up to expectations as potential giant killers out in Japan. They were comfortably beaten by Wales and Fiji and their last shot at taking something tangible away from the tournament comes when they meet Australia in Shizuoka on Friday. Anything short of a win should see them miss out on automatic qualification for the 2023 tournament, too.
- Uruguay (Previous rank: 16, up 1)
Los Teros were unlucky to rack up a 35-point deficit against Australia, as the South Americans caused the Wallabies a number of issues and were unfortunately on the wrong end of some questionable calls from the officials in Oita. They have shown they do not lack for individual ability in this tournament and have one last shot against Wales to leave a mark.
- Samoa (Previous rank: 15, down 1)
Japan started slowly against Samoa on Saturday and the door was ajar for the Pacific Island nation to potentially trouble the hosts. The challenge didn’t come, however, and Samoa’s last chance of springing an upset victory comes against Ireland in Fukuoka. In contrast to a young Uruguayan group that looks to be on the up, the ageing Samoan side will need to go into a rebuild post-Rugby World Cup.
- USA (Previous rank: 17)
The USA finally offered some incision in attack when they played Argentina on Wednesday, although they were still comfortably beaten. Their final game of the tournament looms and beating Tonga would put a silver lining on a campaign where the USA Eagles have looked, unsurprisingly, significantly short of the tier one teams.
- Russia (Previous rank: 18)
After coming into the tournament as the widely regarded 20th ranked team, Russia have shown their teeth at times over the last few weeks. Their loss to Scotland on Wednesday consigned them to a clean sweep of defeats in the pool stage, though they had their moments against Japan, Ireland and Scotland, not to mention some very valid grumbles with the officiating from their game with Samoa.
- Namibia (Previous rank: 19)
The Namibians were on the wrong end of a heavy loss to New Zealand on Sunday, though they have shown flashes of their ability over their first two games. Their crunch game comes against Canada in Kamaishi on Sunday, in what should prove to be the definitive answer over who avoids bottom spot in the final rankings.
- Canada (Previous rank: 20)
It’s been a tough Rugby World Cup for Canada, who are yet to register a point and their points difference of -163 is comfortably the worst at the tournament. They put in an impressive 14-man shift in the second half of their game with South Africa, holding them to a 19-7 loss after the interval, although it has to be mitigated by the 47 unanswered points they shipped in the first 40 minutes.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments