Rugby World Cup: Japan move above Scotland in rankings

Ready for battle: Japan's prop Hiroshi Yamashita and teammates train ahead of Wednesday's match
Andrew Baldock21 September 2015

Japan have moved above their next World Cup opponents Scotland in rugby union's official world rankings.

The countries will meet in a Pool B clash at Gloucester's Kingsholm ground on Wednesday, just four days after Japan produced the biggest shock in World Cup history by beating two-time tournament winners South Africa.

The latest rankings list, published by World Rugby on Monday, shows that Japan have risen two places to 11th, with Scotland - who have yet to start their World Cup campaign - dropping from 10th to 12th.

South Africa, meanwhile, have fallen three places into sixth spot as a result of the 34-32 defeat against Japan in Brighton.

But World Cup hosts England, their Pool A rivals Wales and Pool D favourites Ireland have each moved up one spot into third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

And it means that three teams in the same World Cup group - Australia, England and Wales - now occupy the three places immediately below long-time rankings leaders New Zealand.

Further down the list, Georgia are rewarded for their 17-10 World Cup victory over Tonga by jumping three places into 13th.

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