World Rugby have officially published the final rankings of 2021 following the completion of the Autumn Nations Series.
Wales have moved up one place to eighth after Wayne Pivac’s side sealed a dramatic 29-28 victory over Australia on Saturday. It was Wales’ second consecutive victory of the Autumn following their 38-21 win over Fiji the previous week.
Wales leapfrogged Argentina after the South American side’s comprehensive 53-7 defeat to Ireland in Dublin yesterday.
Elsewhere, France and Australia have switched places. France have moved up to fifth following their impressive 40-25 victory over the All Blacks, while Australia have dropped to sixth following their defeat in Cardiff.
Despite their 27-26 defeat against England at Twickenham on Saturday, world champions South Africa remain top, with New Zealand unable to capitalise following two defeats to Ireland and France in their last two outings.
England remain in third spot following their victory over the Springboks, while Ireland’s unbeaten Autumn campaign sees them finish the year in fourth. Both sides look poised for a strong 2022.
Scotland finish the year in seventh after their Autumn series saw them come away with three victories and just one defeat.
Japan will finish the year occupying the final spot in the top 10 despite defeats to Scotland and Ireland in recent weeks.
Wales’ next opportunity to move up the rankings will come during the Guinness Six Nations which gets underway on February 5. Wales will begin their campaign with a trip to Dublin looking to successfully defend their Six Nations crown.
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World Rugby Rankings table
1. South Africa (90.61)
2. New Zealand (88.75)
3. England (87.83)
4. Ireland (86.53)
5. France (85.53)
6. Australia (83.92)
7. Scotland (83.05)
8. Wales (81.56)
9. Argentina (80.58)
10. Japan (78.26)
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