World Rankings: England fall hard
Only once before, in 2009, have England been as low as eight on the list. There were times in 2003 and 2004 when they were the No.1 team in the world.
If Scotland were to register two more victories at the Wold Cup they could move up and push England even lower. Never, since the rankings began in 2003, have England been outside the top eight. Only four other teams – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and France – have maintained a top-eight place since the rankings began.
Eight teams have moved up one place in the rankings, which are based on results and the level of opposition.
Under the points exchange system used to calculate rankings, sides take points off each other based on the match result – whatever one side gains, the other loses. Such points exchanges are doubled during Rugby World Cup to recognise the unique importance of this event.
Four nations have dropped down: Wales by one place from two to three, Ireland by one from four to five, England by two from six to eight, and Samoa by four from 11 to 15.
The eight risers, all by one place, are Australia [to second], South Africa [to fourth], France [to sixth], Argentina [to seventh], Japan [to 11th], Tonga [to 12th], Italy [to 13th] and Georgia [to 14th].
Samoa's heavy defeat by Japan has sent them to their lowest position since the rankings began.
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