So close we can almost taste that top seeding.
On May 10, next year, World Rugby will stage the official draw for the 2019 World Cup. With all the major southern hemisphere nations finishing up their seasons in the next week, that leaves the World Cup seedings picture somewhat clearer.
Right now, and thanks to a superb November Series, Ireland are ranked fourth. They remain two points off Australia, whom they defeated 27-24 on Saturday, but there are more ranking points up for grabs in the 2017 Six Nations.
Australia take on England next week and a win, which is looking unlikely against Eddie Jones’ men, would consolidate them in third place. New Zealand are streaking clear in first.
The top four sides, come May 2017, will be confirmed as top seeds ahead of the World Cup 2019 pool draw in Tokyo.
Ireland are in a strong position and have a Six Nations fixture schedule that many would see as favourable – England and France at home and three away games. Do well in those and Ireland could climb as high as second by the end of the championship.
The new threat for Joe Schmidt’s side would appear to be a Wales side that recorded a badly needed win over stuttering South Africa at the Millennium Stadium. With Rob Howley as caretaker coach, Wales are just two ranking points off Ireland.
It is looking good for Ireland to get that top seeding but there can be no letting up next year. Under Schmidt, we don’t expect that to be an issue.
PROJECTED RANKINGS (Previous position in brackets)
1. New Zealand 94.78
2 England 89.84
3 Australia 86.97 (-1.17)
4. Ireland 84.62 (+1.17)
5(6). Wales 82.55 (+0.78)
6(5). South Africa 81.79 (-0.78)
7. Scotland 80.67 (+0.79)
8. France 80.13
9. Argentina 79.91
10. Fiji 75.49
*More at IRB Ranking Calculator
Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.
