I really feel for Argentina. They were two very close games away from finishing third, which would be their highest ever ranking. But even so, over the last year they’ve quietly beaten, or come close to beating, every team in the top 8 aside from Scotland (who I think they beat on current form). A mega sevens season, a great U20 season, and an all around great year for Argentine rugby.
They have done very well but the achievements of the year have been a bit overblown by some. The best win and the only big one without an asterisk is NZ away (and that's a really good win for anyone). They were then predictably smashed the next week however. Australia were very poor at the time and went 1-1. South Africa sent a B team and smashed them the next week. Good second half against a still not great Ireland but couldn't get over the line and the opportunity was there. Convincingly beaten by France. They are ranked about exactly where they should be and that's pretty good.
@@Camcolito Still, having said all that, the Pumas glass is 2/3 full. In this messy process, they managed to find a reliable 10 and 9 duo. Not to mention an empowering style of play that defends as always, but is also on the most familiar terms ever with the try line. Not to mention they have had their injuries, including their star 12, Chocobares. The sensation is that, overall, the Pumas are just getting started and are sitting very pretty indeed.
@@junanougues Yeah for sure, sorry if I came across as too negative. I really like this Argentina team and I think Contepomi is showing himself to be a shrewd coach. Plenty of improvement left in the side too, if you guys can click consistently could displace any of the top 4.
@Camcolito Not at all, if anything, objective. 5th is still quite an amazing perch to be hanging out in, considering the local amateur clubs are the primary drivers of this process.
3:22 the noise from the outside could barely be heard. Don't worry dude. Youre doing a hell of a job with your analyses. Keep it up! Greetings from Argentina!
As an Ireland fan I’m just happy to be in the mix for top spot. I’m old enough to remember the 90s. Even without getting past a WC 2/4 final this past decade has been epic.
The Eagles have been soaring this season, very happy for them. They play rugby thats fast and exciting, very easy to watch. Now theyre knocking on the door of samoa, im hoping they do some damage to the tier 2 big dawgs like Japan and Georgia next year.
As it stands right now spots 5-8 seem most exciting for that crucial top 6 for the next World Cup draw. As a Scotland fan that was the only drawback of playing tier 2 nations this summer and autumn. Yes it would have been higher risk to play only tier 1, but high risk high reward.
In terms of finishing 2025 in the top 6, bit concerned for Australia since we aren't hosting anyone we can beat/take points of next winter and then immediately into the rugby championship perhaps with a new coach means we'll probably need a sweep in the spring tour to get top 6
Yeah actually that's a fair point. No points to gain from the Lions tour (a boatload of cash though). But also can't lose any points Also a risk from the Lions nations like I think England will be going to Argentina without their Lions players - more chance of dropping points. Not sure where Scotland are touring
Isn't there a plan to have a warmup test before Lions (as there should be, regardless of rankings) ... Eg against one of our South Pacific neighbours - could that impact anything?
Hey Mark. If you put Pools A to F across the top of your board i think those would make pretty good RWC 2027 pools. To avoid previous mistakes I'm glad the draw isnt made until early 2026.
Based on that, it would seem Ireland is in the pool of death again, Ireland, Australia, Samoa, Romania, or perhaps Pool A is actually the pool of death, since a resurgent Japan on their day, could beat either South Africa or England.
Argentina in 5th spot - and deservedly so. This is great for the growth of rugby. Meanwhile my team (England) are languishing down in the second tier. We've had some close games but can't seem to clinch the win - pretty important in any sport :-D
The seedings are decided this time next year (after autumn games), it's likely the top 4 will remain in the top 6 barring a bad run of games. Which leave the last 2 spot up for grabs for a number of teams. Wales not too far from 13/3rd seed, but probably don't have many games in which they'd lose many pts due to the difference in pts, so Japn/Samoa would need some big wins/a run of wins to bring the down. I'd agree the ranking need tweeking, Wales are closer to the Netherlands (24th) than South Africa (1st) which seems odd, Ireland play England at home in the 1st round of the 6n, and if they beat Australia next week, won'ts be able to pick up any pts vs England as are at home and 7pts clear.
Hey Mark! Your friend from Argentina here. Humble suggestion: I miss the previous format of your World Rugby Rankings videos. I think it gave us more information: arrows for ups and downs, colours for taking/losing points, and the points themselves for knowing how far away each country was from each other. I think it gave us a very complete picture, very visual, very easy to quickly gather a lot of info. I care a bit less which teams are between 20-24 (as they don't fit in your previous format board). And for your goal of highlighting the top 6 due to next world cup seedings, maybe you can just put a dotted line below the 6th place in your old format, and there you go! Goal achieved and with the more complete format!! Thanks Mark! PS: I also can't believe how selfless you are! Always so humble, giving us great content and not begging for subs or likes, mentioning other rugby youtube channels... etc. Man you're an awesome soul! PS: I commented too early, later saw that you show some images with that info haha! Not the same "hand-made craftsman feeling" but good enough! And we could barely hear the noise from outside.. dont worry at all. You can be heard extremely well!
Hey mate yeah I prefer the old way too but I'm filming in another room now (less disruption for my family) so less of the whiteboard is visible. That's why the change - hopefully that site you mentioned makes up for it 😃 And yeah I hope the rugby TH-cam space is a good one to grow the game - it's great to see so many channels doing well! It can only be a good thing
Hey Mark, just thinking RWC, isnt it traditional for the host to be seeded Group A position 1? If that is the case then whilst it is nice for AU to be top six its not essential, though the others are then fighting for top 5, just wondered if you knew with your encyclopaedic knowledge of all things international rugby! Keep it up, love the channel!
Better check than rely on me mate, it’s cool the way you’ve grouped the teams though, whilst WR hasn’t decided on a comp format its likely 6 groups of 4 with a new round of 16 which i fond most enticing, i reckon there will be some upsets, especially with the middle third of the top 16, say rankings 6-12 being quite close to each other, i usually buy tix to QF weekend, as you usually get bang for buck with 2 great games in one venue and usually outside the capital, last rwc was marseille, wellington was memorable! But the Rd of 16 is v attractive eh?
USA did ok this year, glad they got 9 tests. I still think they should have blooded more players; sticking with guys like de Haas and AJ MacGinty seems shortsighted for the growth of the team. Only result I was really upset about was losing at home to Romania this past July. That was a shocker.
In my view, there's very little between the top 4, who are on another level to the rest. I think that the next three are pretty much on the same level, followed by the next four teams, who are much of a muchness.
I wish Australia can give back to the ABs the no. 2 spot just like the ABs did it for the Boks. Then it will be like brothers looking out for each other.
So many teams of self-destruction. The new red card law works for me, but TMO hangs over everyone during play. I also believe in player safety. Oz/England was my favorite Autumn game....and hopefully the USA isn't peaking at the wrong time & is just building on success.
France should be much higher and clearly not behind New Zealand and Ireland ! :) SA also only beat them once by 1pt in the last year when cheating so also debatable ha but thanks for the video !
I feel that France can never get higher than 4th as they never play the Books, always up against Japan or Argentina (4 times this year) in the summer and autumn internationals.
Yeah if they come to NZ next year and don't have their top side (as is normal for French squad in July) - assuming they don't upset the full strength ABs - could cost points as well
Two questions for the kiwis. Why do you pronounce Uruguay like it's a land in the Lord of the Rings? It's pronounced yuor·ruh·gwai. Noticed this during the Rugby World Cup too. Secondly. Debut is deh·byoo and not DAY-BOO. Married to a Kiwi and even she is baffled.
My sister in law is a Kiwi but says tomato with a MAY in the middle like an American.... She never lived there or anything... Language is funny and fluid like that I guess
Thank you Mark for your work throughout the year.
No worries man!
Absolutely, legend!
Mark does all the dirty work with the rankings for us to understand.
I really feel for Argentina. They were two very close games away from finishing third, which would be their highest ever ranking.
But even so, over the last year they’ve quietly beaten, or come close to beating, every team in the top 8 aside from Scotland (who I think they beat on current form).
A mega sevens season, a great U20 season, and an all around great year for Argentine rugby.
Yeah man Contempomi has done much better than I thought he would have with the 15s lads
They have done very well but the achievements of the year have been a bit overblown by some. The best win and the only big one without an asterisk is NZ away (and that's a really good win for anyone). They were then predictably smashed the next week however. Australia were very poor at the time and went 1-1. South Africa sent a B team and smashed them the next week. Good second half against a still not great Ireland but couldn't get over the line and the opportunity was there. Convincingly beaten by France.
They are ranked about exactly where they should be and that's pretty good.
@@Camcolito Still, having said all that, the Pumas glass is 2/3 full. In this messy process, they managed to find a reliable 10 and 9 duo. Not to mention an empowering style of play that defends as always, but is also on the most familiar terms ever with the try line. Not to mention they have had their injuries, including their star 12, Chocobares. The sensation is that, overall, the Pumas are just getting started and are sitting very pretty indeed.
@@junanougues Yeah for sure, sorry if I came across as too negative. I really like this Argentina team and I think Contepomi is showing himself to be a shrewd coach. Plenty of improvement left in the side too, if you guys can click consistently could displace any of the top 4.
@Camcolito Not at all, if anything, objective. 5th is still quite an amazing perch to be hanging out in, considering the local amateur clubs are the primary drivers of this process.
3:22 the noise from the outside could barely be heard. Don't worry dude. Youre doing a hell of a job with your analyses. Keep it up! Greetings from Argentina!
Cheers mate! Good to know it wasn't that loud!
Great stuff Mark all the best from Ireland BTW your Dad is great too.
Cheers man yeah have to get him back on soon!
Hong Kong, Chile and Spain doing well too. Love that rugby seems to be growing properly… finally
Yeah it's good to see. Sad that Samoa haven't had any games and Tonga are struggling....
You mean "Hong Kong China", lest anyone be confused!
Great to see Hong Kong getting a good set of matches
You have the best rugby channel from a New Zealand point of view. Keep it going 👍🏽
Cheers mate!
Nice one, just jinxed us for the Wallabies game, Joe "Ye'ow" Schmidt will be plotting something.
Sorry mate 😅
As an Ireland fan I’m just happy to be in the mix for top spot. I’m old enough to remember the 90s. Even without getting past a WC 2/4 final this past decade has been epic.
A merry Christmas and a better year than the last one for you and the Clan , well deserved break coming your way
Great in depth about the rankings
The Eagles have been soaring this season, very happy for them. They play rugby thats fast and exciting, very easy to watch.
Now theyre knocking on the door of samoa, im hoping they do some damage to the tier 2 big dawgs like Japan and Georgia next year.
Yeah man they were pretty terrible last year trying to qualify for the RWC... good to see them on the up
Has been really good to see a resurgence in the US game
Rugby is slowly growing in the USA
@@Will.Flavellsomeone told me there’s over 2,500 rugby clubs in the US, the sleeping giant of world rugby…
@@andrewthomas1614what does that mean?
As it stands right now spots 5-8 seem most exciting for that crucial top 6 for the next World Cup draw. As a Scotland fan that was the only drawback of playing tier 2 nations this summer and autumn. Yes it would have been higher risk to play only tier 1, but high risk high reward.
Yeah teams in that range should really be picking their fixtures carefully ahead of the draw
Always enjoy your view on rugby matters. Saffa
Love that each pairing has one SH and one NH team
Let’s go Eagles!
Sound out for all the research and creating videos, much appreciated
No worries!
In terms of finishing 2025 in the top 6, bit concerned for Australia since we aren't hosting anyone we can beat/take points of next winter and then immediately into the rugby championship perhaps with a new coach means we'll probably need a sweep in the spring tour to get top 6
Yeah actually that's a fair point. No points to gain from the Lions tour (a boatload of cash though). But also can't lose any points
Also a risk from the Lions nations like I think England will be going to Argentina without their Lions players - more chance of dropping points. Not sure where Scotland are touring
Isn't there a plan to have a warmup test before Lions (as there should be, regardless of rankings) ... Eg against one of our South Pacific neighbours - could that impact anything?
If they're wise it'll be a very winnable test that can also gain points
@@footyfinFiji would be a great warm up
@AverageJonesRugby-r7z yes I agree 👌
Your welcome for the rawlings calculator, that was me! 🏉🤝
Yeah man I've been using it for ages myself but never thought about using it in the vid! Cheers man!
Thanks Mark
Pity the Irl v NZ match wasn't the last one. Would have been 'tastier' i think.
Thanks, Mark, come on Ireland.
Thanks for the videos mark! Absolute legend
No worries!
Hey Mark. If you put Pools A to F across the top of your board i think those would make pretty good RWC 2027 pools.
To avoid previous mistakes I'm glad the draw isnt made until early 2026.
I just realized the pools would be progressively easier as you go from pools A to F. Not such a good idea
Yeah man it took them a long time to fix the timing of the draw, but it's better late than never
Based on that, it would seem Ireland is in the pool of death again, Ireland, Australia, Samoa, Romania, or perhaps Pool A is actually the pool of death, since a resurgent Japan on their day, could beat either South Africa or England.
Argentina in 5th spot - and deservedly so. This is great for the growth of rugby. Meanwhile my team (England) are languishing down in the second tier. We've had some close games but can't seem to clinch the win - pretty important in any sport :-D
Mark, you're a legend, BTW. The difference between the top 4 is the width of a cigarette paper. Can't wait for 6 nations. Coybig!
Cheers man! Yeah bloody competitive right now!
Thanks Mark- you are sounding better
Cheers man yeah pretty much back up normal
Thanks Mark. What a year!
Yes it was!
How did Rassie not get best coach of the year award?
The seedings are decided this time next year (after autumn games), it's likely the top 4 will remain in the top 6 barring a bad run of games. Which leave the last 2 spot up for grabs for a number of teams. Wales not too far from 13/3rd seed, but probably don't have many games in which they'd lose many pts due to the difference in pts, so Japn/Samoa would need some big wins/a run of wins to bring the down. I'd agree the ranking need tweeking, Wales are closer to the Netherlands (24th) than South Africa (1st) which seems odd, Ireland play England at home in the 1st round of the 6n, and if they beat Australia next week, won'ts be able to pick up any pts vs England as are at home and 7pts clear.
Hey Mark! Your friend from Argentina here. Humble suggestion: I miss the previous format of your World Rugby Rankings videos. I think it gave us more information: arrows for ups and downs, colours for taking/losing points, and the points themselves for knowing how far away each country was from each other. I think it gave us a very complete picture, very visual, very easy to quickly gather a lot of info. I care a bit less which teams are between 20-24 (as they don't fit in your previous format board). And for your goal of highlighting the top 6 due to next world cup seedings, maybe you can just put a dotted line below the 6th place in your old format, and there you go! Goal achieved and with the more complete format!!
Thanks Mark!
PS: I also can't believe how selfless you are! Always so humble, giving us great content and not begging for subs or likes, mentioning other rugby youtube channels... etc. Man you're an awesome soul!
PS: I commented too early, later saw that you show some images with that info haha! Not the same "hand-made craftsman feeling" but good enough! And we could barely hear the noise from outside.. dont worry at all. You can be heard extremely well!
Hey mate yeah I prefer the old way too but I'm filming in another room now (less disruption for my family) so less of the whiteboard is visible. That's why the change - hopefully that site you mentioned makes up for it 😃
And yeah I hope the rugby TH-cam space is a good one to grow the game - it's great to see so many channels doing well! It can only be a good thing
Cheers Mark, have a great break. As an Irish man I hope you don't need to put out another post. Happy Christmas to you and your family.
Hey Mark, just thinking RWC, isnt it traditional for the host to be seeded Group A position 1? If that is the case then whilst it is nice for AU to be top six its not essential, though the others are then fighting for top 5, just wondered if you knew with your encyclopaedic knowledge of all things international rugby! Keep it up, love the channel!
Oh yeah man you're totally right - I didn't think of that at all!
Better check than rely on me mate, it’s cool the way you’ve grouped the teams though, whilst WR hasn’t decided on a comp format its likely 6 groups of 4 with a new round of 16 which i fond most enticing, i reckon there will be some upsets, especially with the middle third of the top 16, say rankings 6-12 being quite close to each other, i usually buy tix to QF weekend, as you usually get bang for buck with 2 great games in one venue and usually outside the capital, last rwc was marseille, wellington was memorable! But the Rd of 16 is v attractive eh?
It didn't work like that in 2023. France was in pool A but in the second seed. NZ was from first seed in the pool
And then some people call Argentina a tier two team. It’s crazy how a tier two nation is two places above England
Wow, England at 8th naaaaar 🙏0MG IRE
USA did ok this year, glad they got 9 tests. I still think they should have blooded more players; sticking with guys like de Haas and AJ MacGinty seems shortsighted for the growth of the team. Only result I was really upset about was losing at home to Romania this past July. That was a shocker.
Thanks Mark, I guess we root for the Aussies on Saturday and hope they knock Ireland to third
As an Aussie - I'd be satisfied with a draw against Ireland 😉🤞
In my view, there's very little between the top 4, who are on another level to the rest.
I think that the next three are pretty much on the same level, followed by the next four teams, who are much of a muchness.
Thanks for all the great content, Mark: the leaf blower is the most pointless, annoying invention ever, lot of noise for very little gain!
Can’t help but feel snubbed by the Boks only playing 3 games. Would have loved to see them play Ireland and France!!
I wish Australia can give back to the ABs the no. 2 spot just like the ABs did it for the Boks. Then it will be like brothers looking out for each other.
So many teams of self-destruction. The new red card law works for me, but TMO hangs over everyone during play. I also believe in player safety. Oz/England was my favorite Autumn game....and hopefully the USA isn't peaking at the wrong time & is just building on success.
What’s your thoughts on the World Rugby Awards Mark?
Yeah I might pop something up about those tomorrow 😁
@ Google the name of the French coach if you’re not sure how to spell his name.. or who the hell he is.😉
Yeah I hadn't heard of him 😅
Think old mate made a mistook South Africa should be 102.78 😊
Would love to see the Wallabies down Ireland..
I hope there is some secret “final boss” that South Africa have to play if they get to 100 points.
👏👏👌💪🇿🇦🇿🇦💯💯🔥🔥
Why have the points for SA & Ireland remained unchanged after victories on the weekend?
The teams they beat were more than 10 points behind them so they dont gain anything from it.
Two cents get distracted by gardening equipment
Lol yeah maybe bloody Tony across the road 😂
France should be much higher and clearly not behind New Zealand and Ireland ! :) SA also only beat them once by 1pt in the last year when cheating so also debatable ha but thanks for the video !
I think France might have had a better chance for more points if they'd taken their top side to Argentina in July 😅
I think you have a South African Neighbour
I feel that France can never get higher than 4th as they never play the Books, always up against Japan or Argentina (4 times this year) in the summer and autumn internationals.
Yeah if they come to NZ next year and don't have their top side (as is normal for French squad in July) - assuming they don't upset the full strength ABs - could cost points as well
Wales zero wins in over a year yet remain 11th 😮
Who the ref is should also deternine how many points you get if you win
Two questions for the kiwis.
Why do you pronounce Uruguay like it's a land in the Lord of the Rings?
It's pronounced yuor·ruh·gwai.
Noticed this during the Rugby World Cup too.
Secondly. Debut is deh·byoo and not DAY-BOO.
Married to a Kiwi and even she is baffled.
My sister in law is a Kiwi but says tomato with a MAY in the middle like an American.... She never lived there or anything... Language is funny and fluid like that I guess
Fingers crossed your neighbours don't watch your channel 😂
Lol yeah never considered that 😅