England's collapse down the world rankings lands them in group of death for 2027 Rugby World Cup

11/17/2024 10:03 AM

England’s fall down the World Rugby Rankings has reached worrying new lows. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the horizon, Steve Borthwick’s side could find themselves facing a punishing group stage.

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Ollie Sleightholme Strikes Early

A hopeful start at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium had England fans roaring as Ollie Sleightholme darted over the line just three minutes in. But any joy was short-lived.

Springboks Turn Up the Heat

South Africa quickly found their rhythm, striking back through a breathtaking flurry of tries from Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and the ever-dangerous Cheslin Kolbe.

England clawed their way within two points at halftime, thanks to Sam Underhill’s determined run, but the Boks remained relentless.

Cheslin Kolbe Finishes the Job

Kolbe added a second-half score to cement South Africa's control, leaving England to scramble fruitlessly for a response. Borthwick’s men suffered their fifth straight defeat—matching the unwanted record from Eddie Jones' era back in 2018.

A Fortress No More

Allianz Stadium has been far from a happy hunting ground for England lately. The southern hemisphere heavyweights—New Zealand, Australia, and now South Africa—have all claimed victories there in successive weeks.

A 2027 Pool of Pain?

With all qualification set to be concluded by the end of 2025, a first for Men's Rugby World Cups, all teams will be known before the Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw takes place ahead of the Men's Six Nations 2026.

If the rankings remain as they are, here's how England's 2027 World Cup path could look:

POOL A

• South Africa
• England
• Georgia
• Tonga

POOL B

• France
• Australia
• Samoa
• Uruguay

POOL C

• New Zealand
• Fiji
• Japan
• Romania

POOL D

• Argentina
• Italy
• Portugal
• Chile

POOL E

• Scotland
• Wales
• USA
• Canada

POOL F

• Scotland
• Japan
• Spain
• Hong Kong

Editors picks:

• Sir Clive Woodward slams England players behaviour after fifth straight loss
• Springboks Employ Controversial Tactic England Faced Criticism For Using
• RFU have already made Final Call on Sacking England Boss Steve Borthwick
• Bookies Favourites to Replace Under-Fire Steve Borthwick – Including Two Former England Bosses
• Fans turn on captain George after interview following latest defeat

Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them

RUCK's Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.

Here's how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:

#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?

Average Rating: 4.75/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams' and Cheslin Kolbe's tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.”
• Express (4/10):
  “At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.”
• Rugby Pass (5/10):
  “Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”

Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn't have been dropped in the first place.

#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa's opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose – but not at his best.”
• Express (4/10):
  “Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”

Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge's leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.

#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same

Average Rating: 5/10

• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.”
• Express (5/10):
  “Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”

Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.

#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Telegraph (4/10):
  “Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.”
• Express (5/10):
  “England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”

Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.

#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.”
• Express (3/10):
  “First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”

Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should've been given more game time from the start.

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