Rugby union power rankings published a year before World Cup

sportsOct 1, 20262749

The Guardian places holders South Africa top a year before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, noting Rassie Erasmus’s side remain dominant in set piece and physicality despite a loss to Australia last weekend and an ageing squad Erasmus is managing. The piece says South Africa romped from 1-0 down to win a Test series 3-1 over New Zealand this year, marking them the team to beat in Australia next year and projecting a likely quarter-final meeting with New Zealand and a semi-final against France. New Zealand under coach Dave Rennie are singled out as the closest challengers, praised for returning to pace and handling, with Ardie Savea described as the world’s best player and Richie Mo’unga positioned to press for the No 10 shirt while Ruben Love is injured. France, coached by Fabien Galthié, are highlighted for remarkable depth, a hulking pack bolstered by Emmanuel Meafou and a backline led by Pau pair Fabien Brau-Boirie and Théo Attissogbe, though Meafou will miss autumn fixtures and France still lack a settled tighthead prop. England under Andy Farrell sit at the head of the second cluster of contenders chasing the genuinely elite teams. The rankings review also flags selection battles and injuries that could shift pecking order during autumn Tests and into the World Cup year.

Simon Alvey

@salvey1.bsky.social

A similar sign of the modernity of Wales's national symbols - when the team played at 1958 FIFA World Cup they did so under a different flag because the one we all know hadn't been adopted yet

169d ago

Guillotine Hunger Force

@handle.invalid

honest to god am surprised people showed up for world cup that said making the tickets outrageously expensive this time was a clever move because rich people are generally overconfident due to survivorship bias

99d ago

Mik A

@mikadooo.bsky.social

Some thoughts on Canada Women's performance v England, as informed by rugbypass stats. First, Canada were not the manic, all-action team of the Rugby World Cup. Only 55% rucks in under 3s, and only 4 offloads recorded. The reduced offloads reflects a recent pattern against top opposition.

49d ago

YSC Rugby - Women’s Rugby News3

Really interesting point on the offloads. Canada's style looked so different from the World Cup, so it'll be fascinating to see if they adapt against top opposition.

Mik A2

Second, Canada's backs were a lot more effective with ball in hand than England's, totting up 324 metres off 50 carries. Third, Kiki Idowu did a mountain of work: top ball carrier in the match and equal second for tackles made, playing all 80 minutes.

Venus's Unruly Child

@saturnexalted.bsky.social

Damn, and this is even with the World Cup this year. I think the time of lamenting the decline of the US as a "world power" has ended, and the time to admit we're just not one anymore is here.

29d ago

Joel Chan

@kjoules.org

With exactly one year to go until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, a look at debutantes Hong Kong China, who can't wait for the opportunity to play against Australia and the All Blacks in their pool www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/s...

39d ago

Rose Grimm

@rgrimmturner.bsky.social

In a year the country hosted the World Cup, no less.

39d ago

@kathmandu513.gobirds.online

And the thing to keep in mind is America 250 and the world cup. They aren't happening in 2027.

19d ago

doing bad jesse ventura impression at dinner

@wagyuhotdog.bsky.social

Wonder what it would look like without the World Cup

29d ago

Jane Thurber

@thurberteam.bsky.social

Imagine how low it would have been without the world cup.

9d ago

DJGarybaldy

@djgarybaldy.bsky.social

World Cup 1998 My boss at a pub insisted on putting this on the jukebox along with 3 Lions and Vindaloo between matches I do could have turned into a PK it did my head in

19d ago

Tom Emanuel

@tom-emanuel.bsky.social

Re the whole City thing… pretty sure the government can’t get too involved in this as it could lead to FIFA (that paragon of virtue) banning teams from competing (World Cup etc.) as football authorities are supposed have no political interference. Oh the irony.

19d ago

Gilles

@gillesy.bsky.social

Correct. Same with the World Cup. Allowing Balogun to play while suspended was pure ‘Sports Entertainment’. There is no longer any integrity at the top of the sport.

19d ago

FC Barcelona news

@fcbarcelona-news.bsky.social

⚽ One to watch: Barcelona and Real Madrid will play El Clasico with special ball – it will feature retro-inspired graphics Could this change the World Cup story? #FCBarcelona #Barca #ElClasico

19d ago

chelsea fans

@chelsea-fans.bsky.social

🔥 Fresh from the football desk: Ronaldo can’t stand being second best. Not even for his own national team Can Ronaldo still shape the 2026 World Cup story? #ChelseaFC #CFC

19d ago

Rugby World Cup

@rwctickets.bsky.social

Why The Australia Vs Hong Kong Rugby World Cup Match Will Shock You www.eticketing.co/sports-ticke... Get ready for the exciting Australia Vs Hong Kong game. Visit eticketing.co. blog.eticketing.co/why-the-aust... #RWCTickets, #RWC2027Tickets,

19d ago

3 sources

theguardian.comRugby union power rankings: how the teams stand a year from World Cup bbc.co.ukZoe Stratford gives birth to baby girl - a year after England World Cup triumph tibsnews.co.ukWhy England has reasons to be cheerful ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup - including who has made a case for selection and the key player who provides flexibility - TIBS News

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Rugby union power rankings published a year before World Cup

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