Rugby World Cup 2023 got off to a pulsating start this weekend with several changes to the top 20 in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings powered by Capgemini.
This Autumn, Ruck’s England content will be powered by Charles Tyrwhitt, as they introduce an exclusive assortment of England Rugby apparel and accessories within the Tyrwhitt Supporter Collection. Not only do they back the team, but they also elevate your wardrobe.
England, Australia and Wales all climb two places, while Georgia have gone the other way to the benefit of both Samoa and Italy.
Ireland stay top – but only just – after South Africa fell one point a short of the margin of victory needed to replace them there.
England picked up 3.27 points for their remarkable 27-10 win against Argentina in Marseille, which takes them up to sixth place on 83.22 points overall. The gap between themselves and Scotland is now just 0.21 points.
WORLD RANKINGS:
View the full World Rugby Men’s Rankings powered by Capgemini here.
COMPETITION:
“Abject” – Three England players Steve Borthwick must change, and who should replace them
Despite this triumph, there remains room for improvement in England’s starting lineup, and we believe that Borthwick should consider implementing three changes to further enhance the team’s prospects moving forward.
#1. Tom Curry
Telegraph 2/10: “The flanker was overeager in defence after an injury, red-carded after a TMO bunker review for a slightly unfortunate head-on-head collision in the third minute.”
RUCK 0/10: “Sent off after just two minutes. Some may say unlucky, but the flanker really left the officials no choice.”
Planet Rugby 1/10: “Some said he was unlucky, but ultimately he was high in contact and paid the price. Fortunately, his team-mates bailed him out. “
Rugby Pass 0/10: “Was hailed in the build-up as the potential missing link for the England defence as he arrived in France without playing a single minute of the four-game Summer Nations Series. That idea quickly went out the window, though. “
The Guardian 2/10: “Palpably fired up before the match, having not played since May, but lasted less than three minutes before a red card, via the bunker, for an overzealous tackle on Juan Cruz Mallía.”
Replacement: Jack Willis