World Rankings blow adds to England's Murrayfield misery

Reigning Guinness Six Nations men’s champions France have become the third-best team in world rugby, according to the rankings, after they beat Wales 54-12 in Cardiff.

England’s humbling 31-20 defeat at the hands of Scotland in the second of Saturday’s matches had seen their rating drop below France’s, which left Les Bleus just needing to win at the Principality Stadium to hold onto their improved position.

And that was never in doubt from the moment Emilien Gailleton ran in the first of their eight tries in the second minute.

France’s rating of 88.40 remains unchanged, as the points differential between themselves and the much-lower-ranked Wales meant that they were never going to be rewarded with additional points.

However, England’s rating has dropped by 1.70 points to 87.71, placing them fourth when the rankings are officially revised by World Rugby at noon on Monday.

Ireland’s hard-fought 20-13 win over Italy in the opening game of the weekend did not earn Andy Farrell’s side any points, so they remain in fifth on 86.81. But the 1.70 points gained by Scotland for their Calcutta Cup success has seen them restored to ninth at Italy’s expense.

Italy drop back down to 10th, their ranking when the Six Nations kicked off two weeks ago.

With one match of the weekend left to play, the results in the second round of the Rugby Europe Championship have so far had no impact on the rankings.

Defending champions Georgia, 2025 runners-up Spain and RWC 2023 surprise package Portugal beat teams they were expected to beat – the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany, and as a result, their rating and ranking stay the same.

However, the outcome of the match between Romania and Belgium at the Emil Alexandrescu Stadium in Iasi, kick-off 17:00 (GMT), will lead to changes.

Romania will trade places with Belgium and move up one place to 21st if they win. However, a draw or a defeat will result in a new all-time rankings low for the Oaks, with 25th potentially on the cards.

Updated World Rugby Rankings

1. South Africa – 93.94
2. New Zealand – 90.33
3. France – 88.40
4. England – 87.71
5. Ireland – 86.81
6. Argentina – 84.98
7. Australia – 81.53
8. Fiji – 81.14
9. Scotland – 81.01
10. Italy – 79.81
11. Wales – 74.24
12. Japan – 74.09