Updated world rankings as England make a jump
02/09/2025 12:16 AM
England claimed a remarkable 26-25 win against France in a highly entertaining encounter in London as the Six Nations entered the second round this weekend.
It was a result that also saw a shake-up to some of the world rugby rankings, with England improving their points tally by 1.32 to jump ahead of Scotland and into sixth place.
France remain fourth in the rankings, but have lost 1.32 ranking points, and now find themselves as many as 5.59 points behind the Springboks as the summit of the standings.
Meanwhile, Italy improved their ranking by 0.26 after being Wales on Friday night, with Warren Gatland’s side having now dropped below Georgia into 12th place on the rankings.
Fixture for Sunday, 9 February
Scotland v Ireland (17:00)
CURRENT WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS AFTER ROUND 2 OF THE SIX NATIONS
| RANK | COUNTRY | POINTS |
| 1 | South Africa | 92.78 |
| 2 | Ireland | 90.78 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 90.36 |
| 4 | France | 87.19 |
| 5 | Argentina | 84.97 |
| 6 | England | 83.63 |
| 7 | Scotland | 83.57 |
| 8 | Australia | 81.52 |
| 9 | Fiji | 80.07 |
| 10 | Italy | 78.67 |
| 11 | Georgia | 73.85 |
| 12 | Wales | 73.75 |
| 13 | Japan | 72.95 |
| 14 | Samoa | 72.68 |
| 15 | USA | 70.02 |
| 16 | Portugal | 68.82 |
| 17 | Uruguay | 67.06 |
| 18 | Spain | 65.98 |
| 19 | Tonga | 65.46 |
| 20 | Romania | 63.01 |
Speaking after the win over France, young England flyhalf Fin Smith was understandably elated as his side made an important move in the world rankings.
“It was back and forth, wasn’t it?” said a delighted Smith, who praised the atmosphere at the stadium. “We've lost plenty of games that have been like that in the past, and luckily this one went our way. It was far from perfect, but my God the group fought hard today and we've given ourselves another shot.
“We really backed ourselves. We couldn't go into our shells, we had to keep playing, keep moving the ball. The French are an awesome outfit and they probably let us off the hook in the first half. It felt like momentum had to come our way at some point, and it did,
“I felt a bit like a rabbit in the headlights in the first half, to be honest, but found my feet towards the end there. I’m delighted we got the win more than anything, but this [Player of the Match medal] is pretty cool for a first start.”
Smith took over kicking duties from namesake Marcus after the fullback’s accuracy proved wayward at key moments, and the former U20 Six Nations Grand Slam winner never looked back.
He converted two tries late on in the match, including one that he set up with an assist for Elliot Daly’s 79th-minute effort. It was day when this promising youngster could deliver on his promise – against the heavy favourites, no less – and Smith duly did.
REMAINING SIX NATIONS 2025 FIXTURES
ROUND 3
Saturday, 22 February
Wales vs Ireland
England vs Scotland
Sunday, 23 February
Italy vs France
ROUND 4
Saturday, 8 March
Ireland vs France
Scotland vs Wales
Sunday, 9 March
England vs Italy
ROUND 5
Saturday, 15 March
Italy vs Ireland
Wales vs England
France vs Scotland
WHICH FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AND WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE TOURNAMENT THIS YEAR?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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