World Rankings: World Cup underdogs Japan hunting record high

The Women’s Rugby World Cup is not known for major upsets – Ireland’s historic win over New Zealand in 2014 is pretty much the standout example of a giant-killing act.

And looking at the fixtures on the opening weekend of the 2025 tournament, it is hard to make a case for that changing, with all-conquering England and reigning champions New Zealand taking on opponents well below them in the world rankings in the USA and Spain.

Similarly, the world’s number two, Canada, will be confident of seeing off Fiji, regardless of how talented the Islanders are on their day. At the same time, the fast-improving Springbok Women should give tournament debutants Brazil a reminder of the level they’ve stepped up to with a comfortable win.

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Elsewhere, Australia have struggled since the news that head coach Jo Yapp will be standing down after the World Cup, but surely they will have enough about them to beat Samoa, a side ranked nine places lower.

Arguments could be made for and against either of the four teams involved in the all-Six Nations clashes between France and Italy and Scotland and Wales, especially the latter, which leaves us with Ireland’s match against Japan as the one that perhaps has the most potential to be an upset, at least in rankings terms.

Ireland enter the clash at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton ranked six places higher than the Sakura 15 in fifth, with the difference between the teams’ respective ratings nearly 10 points. However, the reigning Asian champions won 29-10 when the sides last met in Tokyo in 2022, their first win in seven attempts against the Irish.

With an unbeaten, five-match winning streak in 2025, including a first-ever win over the USA and a two-match home series win over Pool C rivals Spain, the Sakura 15 are well prepared and full of confidence.

A win on the opening weekend would be a landmark result for a team that has struggled to make an impression on past tournaments. It would be rewarded with a record high in the rankings of ninth, as long as the USA do not spoil England’s opening night party. Japan’s current best is 10th, which they last achieved in October 2023.

A repeat of the 19-point winning margin when they last faced Ireland could even lift them to the dizzy heights of sixth.

Italy are another team with a chance of breaking new ground, as a win over France, who they last defeated three years ago, will result in them being ranked in a record-equalling fifth place. Fourth is possible if they win by a sufficient margin.

Meanwhile, Brazil approach their first tournament already at an all-time high of 25th, so it goes without saying that the South Americans will set another new record if they knock off South Africa in the second game in Northampton on Sunday.

RWC 2025 opening round fixtures by ranking points difference:

England (1) v USA (10) – 25.71
New Zealand (3) v Spain (13) – 25.43
South Africa (12) v Brazil (25) – 22.08
Canada (2) v Fiji (14) – 20.15
Australia (6) v Samoa (15) – 16.59
Ireland (5) v Japan (11) – 9.98
France (4) v Italy (7) – 9.66
Scotland (8) v Wales (9) – 3.15