Autumn Nations Series: Why world rankings matter for 2027 Rugby World Cup drawdraw

The fall internationals commence on Saturday as squads aim to secure crucial ranking points before the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup on 3 December.

Teams will be sorted into six groups of four for the group phase of the tournament in Australia.

Currently, the six leading teams in the world rankings – South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, France, England, and Argentina – will find themselves in band one for the draw, thus avoiding matches against each other in the pool stage.

Australia (seventh) and Scotland (eighth) will be looking for strong autumn performances to penetrate the top six, while Wales (12th) aims to stay clear of dropping into the second band and facing a tougher World Cup draw.

With two years until the World Cup, the autumn fixtures also grant head coaches a chance to integrate new players and refine their strategies.

There is plenty to strive for across the board.

World Rugby’s rankings employ a ‘points exchange’ system, where teams gain or lose points based on the match outcome.

Additional factors comprise the relative strength of each squad, the winning margin, and a consideration for home advantage.

The current leading 18 teams are:

1. South Africa 92.20

2. New Zealand 90.02

3. Ireland 89.83

4. France 87.82

5. England 87.64

6. Argentina 83.82

7. Australia 83.30

8. Scotland 81.57

9. Fiji 81.16

10. Italy 77.77

11. Georgia 74.69

12. Wales 74.05

13. Japan 73.25

14. Spain 69.12

15. USA 67.40

16. Samoa 66.94

17. Chile 66.72

18. Tonga 66.66

Complete rankings

Ireland faces New Zealand – the sole team they fell to last autumn – in Chicago on Saturday at the same location where they achieved their historic first win over the All Blacks in 2016.

Following that, they will compete in Dublin against Japan, Australia, and reigning champions South Africa.

Competing against the three major southern hemisphere teams presents a challenging autumn task, but Ireland ranks third and possesses sufficient points to remain in the top six.

Andy Farrell returns as head coach after leading the British and Irish Lions, and the return of captain Caelan Doris to his seasoned squad is a major advantage.

Steve Borthwick’s team lost three of their four autumn internationals last year but enters this window in excellent form with seven consecutive victories.

An impressive series win in Argentina without their Lions players has led to England being ranked fifth globally.

After narrow losses against Australia and New Zealand last autumn, Borthwick’s squad aims to make a statement this autumn and surpass Six Nations champions France in the rankings.

First up for England is Australia at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, followed by matches against Fiji, the All Blacks, and Argentina.

Scotland has a great chance to ascend the rankings as they take on the United States, New Zealand, Argentina, and Tonga.

The fixture list is favorable, and Gregor Townsend’s team, which won three out of four games last autumn, will be optimistic about their chances at Murrayfield.

Considering New Zealand will arrive in Edinburgh from Chicago after a strenuous match against Ireland, Scotland may see an opportunity for their first-ever victory over the All Blacks.

The clash against the Pumas appears challenging after their victories over New Zealand and Australia in the recent Rugby Championship.

Steve Tandy will lead Wales for the first time against Argentina on Sunday, November 9.

After breaking their 18-match Test losing streak in July against Japan – whom they face in their second autumn match – the initial matches provide Tandy with a strong opportunity for his first win.

The Brave Blossoms overcame Wales in the inaugural summer Test between the two teams and are positioned directly beneath Tandy’s squad in the world rankings.

Wales will hope the return of star wing Louis Rees-Zammit will assist in avoiding four defeats and the potential of slipping out of the top 12 in the world standings.

This autumn is crucial for Scott Robertson’s New Zealand after falling short yet again to South Africa in the Rugby Championship.

A loss in Argentina and a surprising record defeat by the Springboks have increased pressure on Robertson to secure wins.

His team delivered last autumn with three victories out of four, achieving wins over Ireland and England.

They will face all the home nations during this autumn series.

The reigning champions secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles at the beginning of October and lead the world rankings.

The two significant matches are against France and then in Dublin against Ireland – a place where Rassie Erasmus has yet to secure a win as a head coach.

A clean sweep against Japan (at Wembley Stadium), Italy, and Wales would undoubtedly bolster South Africa’s status as frontrunners for a third consecutive World Cup victory.

Expect considerable squad rotation throughout all five matches as Erasmus tests his squad’s depth and looks to promote younger players.

Initially, Australia head coach Joe Schmidt intended to conclude his tenure at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship.

However, in April he extended his contract through to 2026, at which point he will pass an enhanced squad to Les Kiss.

Victories over South Africa and Argentina in the Rugby Championship will boost the Wallabies’ morale ahead of the autumn series.

The three key matches are against England, Ireland, and France.