Following Italy’s remarkable victory over Scotland in the Six Nations, Australia’s rugby team has dropped to an unprecedented 10th place in the world rankings. The Wallabies’ struggle for consistent success has been highlighted by this new low, raising concerns about the team’s performance and standing in the international rugby landscape.
Australia’s descent to 10th place is a result of Italy’s triumph over Scotland, propelling the Azzurri to ninth place in the rankings. The historic win saw winger Louis Lynagh, son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, score a try on his debut and secured Italy’s first home victory in the Six Nations in over a decade.
The Wallabies faced a challenging period under coach Eddie Jones last season, winning only two of nine tests and experiencing a premature exit from the World Cup pool stage after defeats to Fiji and Wales. The team’s recent struggles have contributed to their decline in the world rankings.
Australia’s upcoming fixtures in July, under the guidance of new coach Joe Schmidt, will see them host the eighth-ranked Welsh for two tests and face Georgia in another. The team aims to regroup and rebuild after a challenging phase.
While the Wallabies’ international performance has raised concerns, there have been glimpses of hope in the Super Rugby Pacific season. In a surprising turn of events, the New South Wales Waratahs secured a victory over the reigning champion Canterbury Crusaders in round two, signaling a potential resurgence for Australian rugby.
The All Blacks, despite a third-place ranking, remain a formidable force in international rugby. World champions South Africa and Ireland lead the rankings, with New Zealand scheduled to face England twice at home and Fiji in San Diego in July. The upcoming matches will provide an opportunity for the All Blacks to assert their dominance and potentially improve their ranking.
As Australia faces a period of rebuilding and reevaluation, the rugby community awaits to see how the team responds under new leadership and strives to reclaim its position among the world’s rugby elite.
