Rugby - World Rankings after the 6-Nations

[David-H]

Having a quick look at possible top 8 placing for the 2019 World Cup draw in May 2017.

As things stand, whatever the Scotland vs Italy result, Scotland will remain on 82.18 points. Also, for the 4 most likely outcomes in the Ireland vs England and France vs Wales matches I have assumed one team or another will win (no draws) and by less than 15 points.

Unless England and Wales both win, the the top 4 countries will be New Zealand, England, Australia & Ireland. If both England and Wales do win then Wales would move up to 4th and Ireland would drop to 5th in the rankings.

Whatever the outcomes, the same 8 countries are now assured of being in tier 1 and tier 2 of the draw as Argentina can't make the top 8 before the draw.

 

[Number5]

Good post DLH.

That means all sides can afford to throw a few kids in and chuck the ball about then...

 

[David-H]

Good post DLH.

That means all sides can afford to throw a few kids in and chuck the ball about then...

They could but won't because:

• England want to win back to back Grand Slam Titles and set a new WR for consecutive wins;
  Ireland want to be sure that they definitely stay in the top four and not have to rely on France winning;
  France will be desperate to win at home and to end the 6-Nations campaign well;
  Wales have only granted 3 new caps since the World Cup and Howley is very conservative with his squad selection.

So, I reckon no kids chucking it about but should be two very tight and exciting matches, not to mention the Scots wanting to recover some respectability after last week's thrashing!