Post Rugby World Cup Power Rankings

The rugby world moves in four-year cycles, with the World Cup marking the end of each. For some, this is a time to rejoice in a successful period just gone, while for others it’s a chance to lick their wounds and try to rebound. Having said that, let’s see where every team ranks based on how we feel they will get on in the coming four-year cycle.

Tonga disappointed somewhat at the World Cup, with returning All Blacks and Wallabies offering a solidity to the squad not previously seen. However, we do feel like there is something to build on, especially if they can attract more players of Tonga heritage to play for them.

Samoa, like Tonga, were able to bring back some former All Blacks and Wallabies to bolter a squad rippling with potential. The continued support of the Moana Pasifika Super Rugby team will only see them improve over time. Unfortunately, a lot of their stars are reaching the end of their careers, but we expect the next wave to be equally successful.

Never has a team captured a nation’s heart like the Portuguese despite being knocked out in the group stages. Beating Fiji proved this is a team ready to take on the world. Unfortunately, World Rugby’s long-term plans seem set on keeping the status quo for smaller teams, meaning any progress will be difficult.

Like Portugal, Georgia should be extremely encouraged by their World Cup campaign, despite a lack of results. A draw against Portugal was the highlight, but they pushed Fiji close and were causing Australia problems all game.

A really disappointing World Cup for an Italian side that, on paper, looks far more talented than those that came before it. The core of the team is still very young, so should be able to stay together and push on over the next four years.

How the might have fallen, a once great of the international game has stumbled over itself time and time again and now looks a shell of its former self. Hopefully, for the Wallabies, the Lions tour of 2025 and the 2027 World Cup being held in Australia will give the sport the shot in the arm it needs. There is so much talent available, it just needs harnessing and some real investment, who knows if that will come?

Another team that probably came away from the World Cup disappointed with their efforts. They were in the infamous ‘Group of Death’ with Ireland and South Africa, but they played below their standards. The biggest issue for Scotland is age, with a large number of their key players the wrong side of 30, including Finn Russell, who will be 35 come 2027.

Fiji’s rise should come as no real surprise to anyone who follows Super Rugby, with the Fijian Drua side beating eventual champions, the Crusaders last season. If the Drua can continue to succeed, providing the core of the national side, with the addition of overseas superstars, there is serious potential here.

An unfortunate end to the World Cup that had gone fairly well for the Welsh, until they succumbed to the Argentinians in the quarter-final. If Wales and Warren Gatland can rebuild the team around young captain Jac Morgan, there is potential here. Like Australia, there are big issues behind the scenes that could hold Wales back, unfortunately.

A proud rugby nation, the Argentinians always perform come World Cup time. The All Blacks proved too much for them in the semi-final, but a fourth-place finish is nothing to be sniffed at. Most of their team will still be around come 2027, giving them a good shot at making another semi-final appearance.

England proved to be the next best team below the ‘Big Four’ at this World Cup, despite what seemed like terrible preparation. Steve Borthwick is highly regarded by players and seems a good person to lead this team forward. There is no shortage of talent in English rugby, even if they do need to replace some retiring legends.

Another World Cup, another quarter-final exit. This was the best opportunity Ireland have maybe ever had at winning the Webb Ellis trophy, yet stumbled at the same hurdle they always stumble at. The big question remains for Andy Farrell and his side, who will replace Johnny Sexton at fly-half?

A brutal way to get knocked out of a home World Cup, losing by one point to a team in South Africa they had dominated for most of the game. The conveyor belt of talent continues to churn as the game remains in rude health in France. Antoine Dupont isn’t going anywhere, either.

Some were calling this one of the worst All Blacks teams to ever travel to a World Cup, yet they came within a point of winning the whole thing. That speaks to the levels New Zealand rugby can reach. A big player turnover and a new coach make the next four years interesting for the Kiwis, can they get back to their truly dominant ways?

Not only did South Africa win again, but there’s a decent chance most of this squad will still be playing in four years time for one last hurrah. If they don’t make it, the South African school system will presumably just have myriad replacements lined up and ready to step in anyway.