World Cup seedings concern for Ireland

The ramifications of Ireland’s loss to South Africa presented themselves in more than just the bumps and bruises littering the squad yesterday.

Ireland slipped a place in the world rankings to eighth after the defeat, with Argentina moving up one spot on the back of their victory over Wales in Cardiff.

For Ireland to plummet to ninth, and become third seeds for the World Cup, results this weekend would have to go against them, with Scotland beating South Africa and Wales defeating Samoa. The seedings for the 2015 Rugby World Cup draw, which takes place in London on December 3, will be based on the world rankings.

Meanwhile, France’s 33-6 victory over Australia on Saturday night has led to England being knocked out of the top four.

If the draw was held tomorrow, England, Wales, and Ireland would all be in the second tier of nations along with Argentina, while Scotland (ninth) would be in the third tier with Samoa, Italy and Tonga.