Changes to the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini have been minimal, in spite of all the drama of the opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2021.
Big wins for the top four – England, New Zealand, Canada and France – against lower-ranked opposition, meant their position and rating score stayed the same.
But fifth-placed Italy have narrowed the gap between themselves and Les Bleues to 5.61 points following their 22-10 win against USA.
With double points awarded during Rugby World Cups, Italy picked up the best part of two rating points and are now on 80.48 points overall compared to France’s 86.09. Over four points now separate the Azzurre from the Women’s Eagles in sixth.
The only positional change sees Wales move above Ireland into eighth following their dramatic 18-15 win over Six Nations rivals Scotland.
Wales are now on 74.26 points, leaving them a quarter of a point better off than the Irish who failed to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2021.
Scotland remain in 10th place but with a reduced total of 69.47 points.
