Rugby union power rankings published a year before World Cup

sportsOct 1, 20263043

The Guardian published a power ranking of the 24 teams a year from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, putting holders South Africa, hosts Australia, New Zealand, France and England at the centre of the picture. South Africa romped from 1-0 down to win a four-match series against New Zealand 3-1, with Rassie Erasmus using his bench in Perth and the side’s set-piece dominance and physicality still defining features; the piece says a path to a third successive title likely includes a quarter-final vs New Zealand and a semi vs France. New Zealand under Dave Rennie have returned to a fast, handling game and are described as the closest challengers to South Africa; Richie Mo’unga has an opportunity to press for the No 10 jersey in upcoming Tests with Ruben Love injured, and Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea form a strong centre partnership. France under Fabien Galthié showed depth in running New Zealand close, have added size to the pack with Emmanuel Meafou now a first-choice name though Meafou will miss autumn fixtures, and Galthié has trialled Matthieu Jalibert at full-back while Louis Bielle-Biarrey is highlighted as a lethal finisher; the tighthead prop position remains unresolved. The Guardian argues teams should focus on their own best style rather than mimic South Africa’s blueprint. England sit at the head of a second cluster of challengers under Andy Farrell. Key upcoming markers are the autumn Tests, including a France v South Africa rematch and the Mo’unga v Australia Tests that could settle selection questions ahead of 2027.

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

132h 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.

421h 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.

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

52h ago

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.

22h ago

Rose Grimm

@rgrimmturner.bsky.social

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

32h ago

@kathmandu513.gobirds.online

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

12h 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...

311h ago

YSC Rugby - Women’s Rugby News

@yscrugby.com

Canada's Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 run featured in four-part documentary www.rugbypass.com/news/canadas...

1Yesterday

doing bad jesse ventura impression at dinner

@wagyuhotdog.bsky.social

Wonder what it would look like without the World Cup

23h ago

Jane Thurber

@thurberteam.bsky.social

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

2h 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

13h 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.

13h 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.

13h 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

13h 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

13h 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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