Rugby union power rankings: how the teams stand a year from World Cup

The Guardian's Gerard Meagher ranked all 24 teams ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, placing South Africa as the top team to beat. New Zealand followed in second place after showing strong form against the Springboks, with France ranked third and Ireland fourth. Host nation Australia sat in fifth following recent improvements under Les Kiss, while Scotland, England, Argentina, Japan, and Wales completed the top 10.

Meagher argued that despite a recent loss to Australia, South Africa's set-piece dominance and series victory over New Zealand cement their status as tournament favorites. He noted concerns over whether England and Ireland have closed the gap on the elite sides, while also raising questions about whether expanding the 2027 tournament to 24 teams will create lopsided matchups.