Rugby shocker: Australia’s ranking nosedives as Italy ascends

Australia’s rugby team, historically a powerhouse with two world championships, has slipped to a historic low, ranking 10th in the world. This drop comes after Italy’s win against Scotland propelled the Azzurri to ninth place. Italy’s victory was highlighted by Louis Lynagh, son of Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh, scoring a try on his debut, helping Italy secure their first Six Nations home victory in over a decade with a 31-29 win against Scotland in Rome.

The Wallabies’ recent performance has been disappointing, with only two wins out of nine tests under coach Eddie Jones last season, leading to their earliest exit from the World Cup after defeats by Fiji and Wales. Looking ahead, Australia is set to host Wales, currently ranked eighth, for two tests and Georgia for one in July, marking their first series under new coach Joe Schmidt. Despite these challenges, the early stages of the new Super Rugby Pacific season have offered some hope for Australian rugby, particularly with rare victories against the formidable New Zealand teams.

The New South Wales Waratahs delivered a surprise win against the reigning champions, the Canterbury Crusaders, and the Queensland Reds, featuring Louis Lynagh’s brother Tom as flyhalf, defeated the leading Waikato Chiefs. Despite these domestic successes, the All Blacks maintain their third-place world ranking behind the reigning champions South Africa and Ireland, even after England’s recent Six Nations victory over Ireland.

New Zealand is scheduled to play two home matches against England and one against Fiji in San Diego in July.