Americas Nations and World Rankings 2015

Despite reaching the Semi Finals stage of the Rugby World Cup Argentina finish their international competition for the year 2015 ranked 5th. Ahead of Argentina in 4th place is Wales, a team who won three and lost two matches at the World Cup.

Argentina had been in 4th last week but, more importantly, had been in 12th. Meanwhile the host nation, England, now sits at an all time low of 8th in the world – a staggering reality considering the RFU is the richest union in the world and the resources available are above those of all others.

Japan is another climber with Eddie Jones having stated his intentions of transforming Japan into a Top 10 side during his tenure. He has officially succeeded as Japan sit in 10th position to be the highest ranked Tier 2 side ahead of prior World Cup Quarter Finalists Fiji, Samoa and Canada.

The Canadians finish 2015 in 18th, a low position by Canadian standards. They now sit one place above Uruguay who continue to be above Namibia, a team allotted automatic qualification for World Cups by winning African Qualification. World Rugby do not provide South America’s winner with the same right.

The USA Eagles, meanwhile, had arguably the worst campaign of all teams from the Americas and the second tier. There were worse performers though, notably France who finished 7th after humiliating losses against Ireland and New Zealand.

Both England and France have 79,77 points in the rankings with England sitting ahead by a thread. The 2016 Six Nations competition will see changes to both with neither expected to remain so low.

Also being played in February and March will be the Americas Rugby Cup. The Six Nations event will feature 5 of the top 25 in World Rankings. The bottom ranked Brazil, currently in 39th may yet finish the year notably higher. Should the Tupis beat Germany they will, indeed, shoot up considerably.