The World Cup 2027 draw is fast approaching, and the rugby world is abuzz with anticipation. As the rankings shift and teams jostle for position, the next few weekends will be pivotal. Here's a breakdown of the latest World Rugby Rankings and how they could change ahead of the draw.
South Africa's Dominance
South Africa, currently ranked 1st, is in a strong position. They can maintain their top spot even if they lose to Italy this weekend, as New Zealand won't be able to surpass them. New Zealand, ranked 2nd, needs to beat England at Allianz Stadium to close the 1.70-point gap, but even then, they can only get as close as 0.25 points behind South Africa.
Ireland's Slipping
Ireland, ranked 3rd, faces a potential slip. If England beats New Zealand, Ireland will drop to 4th, a position they briefly held in February 2022. Ireland's 7.16-point lead over Australia won't be enough to maintain their position if the Wallabies win in Dublin.
France's Slight Chance
France, ranked 5th, has a slim chance of moving up. They can gain a maximum of 0.18 points by beating Fiji, but this would only be enough if England and Ireland both lose, and Argentina loses to Scotland.
Australia's Rise
Australia, ranked 7th, has a real opportunity to break into the top six. They can move into Band 1 for the 2027 Draw if they beat Ireland by more than 15 points and Argentina fails to beat Scotland at Murrayfield. A simple win would see them climb to 6th.
Scotland's Climb
Scotland, ranked 8th, can rise above Australia if they beat Argentina and the Wallabies lose in Dublin. However, they won't catch Argentina this weekend, as a 15-point win would still leave them 0.06 points behind.
Italy's Rise
Italy, ranked 10th, can gain at least one place if they beat South Africa and Scotland loses to Argentina, dropping the Scots to 10th.
Georgia's Struggles
Georgia, ranked 11th, faces a challenge. They can't improve their rating with a victory over Canada, ranked 24th. Japan, ranked 13th, could leapfrog Georgia if they beat Wales by more than 15 points, moving two places up.
Wales' Limited Options
Wales, ranked 12th, has limited options. They can't catch a victorious Georgia if they win their third meeting with Japan in 2025. Any other outcome will see them drop into Band 3.
USA's Chance
The USA, ranked 15th, can reclaim 15th place if they beat Romania by more than 15 points in Bucharest. However, another loss could see them drop to 19th, depending on the margin.
Portugal's Stagnation
Portugal, ranked 20th, can't improve on this position with a victory over Hong Kong China.
Hong Kong China's Rise
Hong Kong China could enter the top 20 for the first time if they beat Portugal by more than 15 points and other results go their way, making them the higher-ranked team.
Rugby Europe's Exclusion
The Rugby Europe Men’s Conference 2025-26 match between Cyprus and Malta won't count towards the rankings as Cyprus is not a full member union of World Rugby.
