Ireland to start RWC at six in the world

LONDON – The full world rankings ahead of the Rugby World Cup that kicks off on Friday sees Ireland and Georgia as the biggest losers after significant slides down the table.

Favourites to record at least a semi-final berth at the World Cup which kicks off this week, Ireland will enter the tournament as world no.6 after sliding four places from their no.2 spot before the start of the World Cup warm-up matches.

Ireland’s slide sees them fall below England and Wales after suffering two defeats out of three World Cup warm-up matches with losses against Wales and England respectively. The slide would definitely be a dent in their confidence after defending their 6 Nations crown in March and being tagged as favourites to win the World Cup for the first time,

As for the lower part of the table, Georgia falls three places to 16th below the USA, Italy and Japan after recording four consecutive losses in their last hit-outs before the World Cup. Previously being ranked 13th, Georgia were ranked above Italy and had a very solid case at inclusion into more significant tournaments before losing to Japan, Canada and Emerging Italy.

Like most World Cups, all eyes are likely to be on the top four teams New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England.