2025 Argentina vs New Zealand - Men's

World Rugby Rankings On Aug. 18: A New No.1, 2 And Springboks Drop

World Rugby Rankings On Aug. 18: A New No.1, 2 And Springboks Drop

Here are the top 25 teams in the world entering Round 2 of The Rugby Championship.

Aug 19, 2025 by Joe Harrington
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The World Rugby Rankings saw a major shakeup after the opening round of The Rugby Championship, with New Zealand reclaiming the No. 1 spot. 

The All Blacks surged to 92.51 points following a 41-24 win over Argentina in Córdoba, their first time atop the table since November 2021.

South Africa, world champion and the longtime leader, dropped to third at 89.78 after a shocking 38-22 collapse against Australia in Johannesburg. 

Ireland, despite being idle, moved into second at 89.83. 

The loss was the Springboks’ first at home to the Wallabies in 12 years, and their first at Ellis Park since 1963.

Australia’s comeback consolidated its sixth-place standing at 85.08, closing the gap on England and France. Argentina slipped to 81.61, narrowly above Scotland (81.57). Fiji (80.50) and Italy (77.77) round out the top 10.

Australia, hosting the 2027 World Cup, is fighting to make the top 4 of the rankings and ensure a better pool draw in December. 

Men's World Rugby Rankings Top 25

  1. New Zealand 92.51
  2. Ireland 89.83
  3. South Africa 89.78
  4. France 87.82
  5. England 87.64
  6. Australia 85.08
  7. Argentina 81.61
  8. Scotland 81.57
  9. Fiji 80.50
  10. Italy 77.77
  11. Georgia 74.69
  12. Wales 74.05
  13. Samoa 72.48
  14. Japan 72.29
  15. Spain 69.12
  16. USA 68.45
  17. Uruguay 67.52
  18. Portugal 66.44
  19. Tonga 65.46
  20. Chile 63.83
  21. Romania 62.67
  22. Belgium 61.20
  23. Hong Kong China 59.98
  24. Zimbabwe 58.80
  25. Canada 57.75

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