The year 2022 of the All Blacks had been very average. But, in three games, and three victories against South Africa, Argentina and Australia, the men in black reminded the world that they were still there. Making the opening match of the World Cup, September 8 at the Stade de France, against the Blues a major meeting.
The first consequence of this brilliantly won Rugby Championship, Ian Foster’s team won a place in the World Rugby rankings. This Monday, the All Blacks have indeed doubled the Blues to climb to second place in the world, behind Ireland, the XV of France retreating one step on the podium.
A ranking that will not be frozen until the planetary event. The many preparation matches can still modify the hierarchy. New Zealand will face the Wallabies again this Saturday August 5, then the Springboks (August 25). Ireland will host Italy (August 5), Romania (August 19) and Samoa (August 26). As for the Blues, they will play four times, against Scotland twice (August 5 and 12), Fiji (August 19) then Australia (August 26).
The Top 20 World Rugby1. Ireland2. New Zealand3 . France4. South Africa5. Scotland6. England 7. Argentina8. Australia9. Wales10. Fiji11. Georgia12. Japan13. Samoa14. Italy15. Tonga16. Portugal17. Uruguay18. United States19. Romania20. Spain
