Wales have moved back into the world's top 10 in the latest World Rugby rankings, despite not playing a match. The boost comes after Japan's 35-32 defeat to Australia in Osaka, a result that saw Wales rise to 10th place for the first time since July 2024.
How the Rankings Changed
Japan's loss to the Wallabies caused them to drop two places, allowing Wales to climb into the leading group. Italy now sit 11th, while Japan have slipped to 12th. Wales are now on 76.38 points, having spent over two years outside the top 10.
Match Details
Japan pushed Australia all the way in Les Kiss' first match in charge of the Wallabies. The scores were level at half-time, with Ryunosuke Ito and Faulua Makisi crossing for Japan and Harry Potter and Tom Wright responding for Australia. The Wallabies were dealt a blow when Miles Amatosero was shown a 20-minute red card for a high clearout on Warner Dearns.
Australia moved ahead early in the second half through Max Jorgensen and Fraser McReight, although Taira Main's try kept Japan in touch. The boot of Takuro Matsunaga kept the hosts within striking distance before Taniela Tupou's try with 10 minutes remaining appeared to put Australia in control. Dearns then gave Japan renewed hope when he crashed over with a minute remaining, but the Brave Blossoms could not find a way through for what would have been a historic first victory over Australia.
Wales' Ranking History
In 2019, Wales briefly became the No.1 ranked team in the world after a 14-match unbeaten run. They were ranked seventh ahead of their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, but an 18-match losing run subsequently sent them tumbling down the rankings. Wales fell out of the top 10 following their defeat to Australia in Sydney in July 2024 and had remained outside the elite group ever since. Now, without kicking a ball, they are back among the world's top 10.
