Italy has made a significant leap in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, surpassing Scotland after a close-fought 18–15 victory under tough, rainy conditions in Rome. With this win, Italy is set to claim the ninth position in the updated rankings, which will be released at noon today. This victory marks their first opening-weekend win in the Six Nations for an impressive 13 years, and it is the first time Italy has ranked above Scotland since June 2013.
In the recent update, Italy accrued 0.82 ranking points, bringing their total to 79.81, while Scotland slipped to 10th place after a loss that cost them 0.41 points. In other notable outcomes from the Six Nations, France has edged past Ireland to take the fourth spot, bolstered by a dominant 36–14 win in Paris. As a result, Ireland has fallen to fifth place, which represents their lowest rank in almost four years. Meanwhile, England remains firmly in third place after a commanding 48–7 victory over Wales, who currently sits at 11th.
This shift in the rankings illustrates the intense competition and shifting dynamics in the rugby world. Italy’s recent success signals a promising evolution within the Six Nations, setting the stage for a more exciting and unpredictable tournament ahead, where teams are continuously battling for supremacy. The enhanced competitiveness is likely to engage fans and elevate the level of play in future matches.