With the 2027 World Cup a year out, Gerard Meagher ranks all 24 competing nations. The Boks sit at the top despite last weekend's loss to Australia — the Rugby Championship series win over the All Blacks, coming from 1-0 down to seal it 3-1, is cited as the defining evidence that South Africa remain the team to beat. The full piece works through the rest of the field: the hosts, a resurgent New Zealand, France, England, and the tier-two sides who could cause chaos in Australian conditions.
AnalysisSpringboksThe Guardian Rugby
World Cup 2027 power rankings: Boks lead, but who's closing the gap?
Meagher's pre-World Cup power rankings put the Boks on top despite a late-season blip against Australia, with the 3-1 series win over New Zealand the key credential. The full piece assesses all 24 nations.
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