Rugby Union: World rankings drop must motivate Wallabies

Falling to their joint-worst world ranking of 10th place, the current standings make tough viewing for Australia fans.

Winning just one of their six games in the 2024 Rugby Championship hurt the Wallabies position in the world rankings, while Fiji’s 41-17 win over Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup final has seen the Pacific Islanders leapfrog Australia into ninth spot.

Here’s a closer look at the latest world rankings and what that means for Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies.

Men’s World Rankings

1. Ireland - 92.12
2. South Africa - 91.77
3. New Zealand - 88.70
4. France - 86.96
5. England - 85.40
6. Argentina - 84.30
7. Scotland - 82.82
8. Italy - 79.98
9. Fiji - 79.64
10. Australia - 79.32

Ireland and South Africa a class above

When it comes to the powerhouses of the northern and southern hemispheres, Ireland and South Africa appear to be streets ahead of the competition.

Ireland were crowned Six Nations champions earlier this year, while the Springboks only lost one game on their way to winning the 2024 Rugby Championship.

The reigning world champions South Africa might well feel like they should be top of the pile, but a shock defeat to Argentina in the Rugby Championship hurt their cause.

As it stands, South Africa are second favourites to win the 2027 World Cup at 4.00, with New Zealand 3.50 favourites and Ireland joint third alongside France on 6.00.

Australia are currently 8.00 to lift the Webb Ellis Cup on home soil.

European tour could spell more trouble for Australia

Australia’s position inside the top 10 is under threat with a tough European tour on the horizon.

The Wallabies have big Test matches to look forward to at Allianz Arena (Twickenham), the Principality, Murrayfield and the Aviva Stadium.

England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland will all provide their individual challenges.

The English also seem to be in a period of transition after their own spell with Australian coach Eddie Jones at the helm.

Wales are the biggest absence from the top 10 in the world rankings and they should be Australia’s best hope for a win on this upcoming tour.

Consistency continues to be an issue for Scotland but Gregor Townsend’s side have impressed against the Wallabies in recent years and a trip to Murrayfield will be another tricky test for Australia.

Schmidt will be hoping his side have picked up some wins and not too many injuries before the biggest test of them all against the Irish in Dublin in their final game of the tour.

While the tour will have an impact on the world rankings for Australia, that won’t trouble Schmidt too much at present.

The key for this Wallabies side is tightening up their leaky defence and getting back to playing the attacking, play-from-anywhere rugby that has been the backbone of Australian rugby for over a century.