Following this weekend’s thrilling and action-packed sequence of Quilter Nations Series fixtures. It will now require something exceptional from the teams outside of the top six in the global standings to manage to crack into Band 1 for the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw scheduled on 3 December.
Don’t miss your chance to grab Rugby World Cup 2027 Tickets from eticketing.co. Witness the world’s best rugby nations compete for the Webb Ellis Cup across Australia’s iconic stadiums. Book early for the best seats and experience the thrill of world-class rugby!
The World Rugby Rankings are expected to reveal a widening gulf between these elite sides. And the chasing pack when they are officially refreshed and released at noon on Monday. Argentina’s emphatic 52-28 triumph over Wales at the Principality Stadium has solidified and confirmed their position in sixth place. With their nearest rivals, Australia, even further behind in the chase for Band 1.
The leading six nations at the decision of the Quilter Nations Series will routinely occupy Band 1. While the teams ranked seventh through 12th will fill Band 2. Los Pumas’ notable victory, combined with the Wallabies’ unacceptable defeat to Italy in Udine. Leaves the sides separated by a margin of 2.61 points, while Scotland, who currently occupy eighth, are nearly half a point further adrift in the overall rankings.
As Australia now faces the unenviable and daunting challenge of travelling to Ireland and France in their remaining two November fixtures. Scotland likely has a superior opportunity to edge their way into the top six. Potentially at Argentina’s expense, depending on results in the coming games.
Crucial Fixtures Shape Rankings as Rugby World Cup Draw Approaches
Scotland will host the Pumas next weekend in a crucial match that could trigger a significant momentum swing towards Gregor Townsend’s squad if they manage to prevail on home soil. Even so, the points haul from a win may still not be sufficient, as Scotland will not collect additional points if they overcome Tonga in their fourth and final November fixture to improve their rating.
Argentina travels to Allianz Stadium in London to confront England in what is expected to be a challenging encounter. At the summit of the rankings, South Africa’s lead over the All Blacks has widened to 1.71 points. With their remarkable and hard-fought 14-man victory over France in Paris earning half a point more than the All Blacks’ gritty 25-17 success against Scotland in Edinburgh.
Ireland and England continue to hold third and fourth positions respectively. Following convincing wins over Japan and Fiji, while France maintains fifth place despite their defeat to South Africa. Keeping them in contention for Band 1 in Rugby World Cup 2027 seeding.
Wales currently cling to 12th, the final slot in Band 2, though their position is under growing pressure from Japan. Who they meet in another decisive, winner-takes-all showdown in Cardiff next weekend. Following Sunday’s heavy defeat at the hands of Argentina, 0.48 points were deducted from Wales’ rating, leaving them now just 0.32 points ahead of the Brave Blossoms in 13th position, making next weekend’s clash absolutely critical for both nations.
Get your Rugby World Cup Tickets now on eticketing.co, the trusted platform for rugby fans worldwide. Enjoy the ultimate sporting spectacle as the tournament returns to Australia in 2027. Join fans from across the globe and celebrate rugby’s biggest event live!
Rankings Shake-Up and Key Contenders Eye Rugby World Cup Final
Beyond the race to enter the top two bands for the Rugby World Cup Final, Uruguay emerged as the biggest movers in the global standings, with Los Teros projected to climb four positions to 15th after their impressive 26-8 success against Portugal. This leap represents a significant boost for the South American side as they aim to cement their presence among the higher-ranked nations.
Looking across the board, the gap between the top six teams and the chasing pack is becoming increasingly pronounced. Argentina’s consistent form, combined with Australia’s struggles in Europe, has shifted the balance of power, making the fight for Band 1 qualification increasingly difficult for the teams outside the elite group.
Scotland’s path remains exciting but viable. With the upcoming home advantage against Argentina and the subsequent fixture against Tonga, the chance to challenge for the top six is still alive, though it will require near-perfect acts and favorable results elsewhere. The team’s strategy will likely focus on exploiting points against lower-ranked sides while trying to keep the pressure on Australia and Argentina.
South Africa, meanwhile, is consolidating its dominance at the top. Their superior performance over France in Paris has not only reinforced their position but also widened the points gap with the All Blacks, highlighting the strength of the Springboks as they head into Rugby World Cup preparations. New Zealand will need to respond strongly in upcoming fixtures to avoid losing Band 1 seeding.
Rugby World Cup 2027 Tickets are now available at eticketing.co! Be part of the excitement as Australia hosts the biggest rugby tournament in the world. Secure your seats today and witness the world’s top rugby nations battle for the Webb Ellis Cup. Don’t miss this chance to experience world-class rugby live in action!