Wales are on the verge of returning to the world's top 10 for the first time in over two years, without even playing a match. If Australia overcome Japan in Osaka on Saturday, Steve Tandy's side will climb to tenth in the world rankings, a position they last held in July 2024.
A dramatic fall from grace
Wales have experienced a significant decline in the rankings in recent years. Back in 2019, they briefly topped the world after a 14-match unbeaten run. However, after being ranked seventh ahead of a World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in 2023, an 18-match losing streak saw them plummet.
Having dropped out of the top 10 in 2024 following a defeat to Australia in Sydney, they have remained outside the elite group ever since. Last summer, they fell as low as 14th after a loss to Japan in Kitakyushu.
Japan's current standing
Japan, coached by Eddie Jones, are currently ranked 10th, one place above Wales, with just 0.04 points separating the two sides. A victory by more than 15 points against the Wallabies would see Japan leapfrog Fiji into ninth. However, any defeat would see them drop two places, allowing Wales and Italy to move up a spot without playing.
Saturday's match in Osaka marks the first Test in charge for new Wallabies coach Les Kiss, who has taken over from Joe Schmidt. The former Queensland Reds boss will be hoping conditions are not too harsh, as Osaka has been hit with a heatwave this week.
Other rankings implications
Elsewhere, Argentina host the Springboks, and a defeat for the world champions would see them surrender their number one ranking.
