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The latest World Rugby Rankings are positive for the USA and Uruguay. Both countries have climbed up one spot. The USA’s win over Tonga means the Eagles have risen from 16th to 15th while, despite losing against Japan, Uruguay have gone from 19th to 18th in the World Rankings.
Tonga’s loss against the USA sees the Pacific Island country now ranked 19th in the world. Rankings will be used for Rugby World Cup 2027 seedings. The 24-team tournament will see those ranked the rankings of 12 automatic qualifiers used to place them in two bands of six. The twelve spots allocated for qualifiers will be allocated in relation to the rankings.
The USA and Uruguay are now both ranked above Tonga. This sets up a Pool of Death scenario for Rugby World Cup 2027. If Tonga were to remain in this spot and the third spot from the Pacific Nations Cup goes to Tonga, as is expected, then Tonga (Pacific 3 qualifier) would be in the bottom band.
This scenario would mean an all-South Pacific pool such as New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and Tonga is a real possibility. Tonga would be deemed the team to avoid from Band 4 while rankings and form imply that Georgia are the team to avoid from Pool C.
With rankings of 15th and 18th in the world, the USA and Uruguay are presently ranked in Band 3. Chile are looking to appear in a second World Cup while Canada, and the USA, both want redemption after not qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2023. Chile and Canada are in the bottom Band.
Argentina are the highest ranked country from the Americas and are 5th in the world. Los Pumas are presently on 85.40 points ahead of Scotland on 82.70 points, England on 82.31 points and Australia on 82.17 points. In short, Felipe Contepomi’s team will need to continue playing well to assure a better change at a favorable draw by being seeded in the top band.
