Buzz
Here’s a list of the top ten rugby teams, ranked by the IRB (International Rugby Board) as of February 2nd, 2009. While I’ve kept their original rankings intact, I’ve also added some interesting facts and the history behind each team. Additionally, you’ll find some exciting videos I discovered on YouTube showcasing these teams in action. [JFrater: Once you see the first item, you’ll understand why this list had to be shared!]
10. Fiji
Fiji’s national rugby team is part of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance, alongside Samoa and Tonga. They were one of the sixteen teams in the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup, making it to the quarter-finals before being defeated by France. Over the years, between 1987 and 2007, Fiji reached the quarter-finals twice—once losing to England in 1999 and later falling to South Africa in the semi-finals in 2007. Known for their exceptional Rugby Sevens team, their fifteen-a-side play style mirrors their Sevens approach with a thrilling focus on running rugby.
9. Scotland
Founded in 1873, the Scottish Rugby Union is one of the oldest in the world. As a founding member of the IRB, Scotland participated in the first-ever international rugby match against England, where they won 4-1. Every year, Scotland competes in the Six Nations tournament in Europe, and every four years, their players are selected to represent the Barbarians against other national teams. Scotland has participated in every Rugby World Cup, consistently reaching the quarter-finals or semi-finals, except for 2007.
8. Ireland
The Irish Rugby Football Union was established in 1874 and, like Scotland, was a founding member of the IRB. Ireland plays annually in the Six Nations tournament, which they’ve won eight times. They’ve appeared in every Rugby World Cup and have been knocked out in the quarter-finals every year, except in 1999 and 2007. Ireland also contributes a quarter of the British and Irish Lions team every four years, alongside England and Wales. Over the years, Ireland has been home to top-tier players like Brian O'Driscoll, the country’s top try-scorer, widely regarded as one of the best centres in world rugby.
7. France
Rugby was introduced to France by the British in 1872, and the sport quickly became both popular and fiercely competitive. France boasts one of the world’s top rugby leagues, attracting players from across the globe to join its clubs. The French national team is regarded as the best in continental Europe and competes every year in the Six Nations tournament. France has participated in every Rugby World Cup and has reached more finals than any other team without ever winning the William Webb Ellis Cup. One of their most iconic moments was in the 1999 World Cup, when they shocked the heavily favored New Zealand team by defeating them in the semi-finals. Known for their free-flowing, flair-filled style of play, the French are always capable of pulling off an upset on any given day.
6. England
Despite facing some challenges over the past year, the England national rugby team is widely regarded as one of the top teams in the world. Over the years, they have produced rugby icons like Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson, who holds the record for the most points scored in Rugby World Cup history. England made history by becoming the first European team to win the Rugby World Cup in 2003, when they triumphed over Australia, and they also finished as runners-up in 1991 and 2007. They take part in the Six Nations tournament each year and have been crowned champions 25 times. The team's style often revolves around dominating with strong forwards and utilizing a quick, dynamic backline, with a keen emphasis on kicking and exploiting open field play. When all else fails, they won’t hesitate to kick for points at every available opportunity.
5. Wales
The Wales National Rugby Team was established in 1881, and that same year they played their first test match against England. Through the 19th and 20th centuries, Wales experienced several golden ages in rugby, during which they produced players regarded as some of the greatest ever to play the game, including J.P.R. Williams, Gerald Davies, and the legendary Gareth Edwards. Competing in the Six Nations tournament annually, Wales has claimed the title 24 times, second only to England, with their most recent win in 2008. The team has participated in all six Rugby World Cups, but their best finish came in 1987 when they reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by New Zealand. Today, Wales continues to grow in strength, and their players are renowned for their exceptional sidestepping skills, which are widely regarded as among the best in the sport.
4. Argentina
The Argentina National Rugby Team, known as Los Pumas, played its first international test match against a touring British Isles team in 1910. While rugby is not as popular as soccer in Argentina, the country has become the dominant force in the Americas, and its success in the Rugby World Cup has cultivated a growing following. The main challenge for Argentina is its geographic isolation from other major rugby nations, which often results in the team not getting the attention it deserves. Argentina has participated in every Rugby World Cup, but their breakthrough came in 1999 when they reached the quarterfinals. In 2007, a strong and seasoned Pumas team advanced to the semifinals, surprising many with a series of upsets. They finished third in the tournament, which helped many of their players secure professional rugby contracts in Europe. The Pumas have built a reputation on their powerful forward pack and an impressive backline that excels in passing.
3. New Zealand
The New Zealand National Rugby Team, also known as the All Blacks, is widely considered the most renowned and respected rugby team in the world, with an unparalleled winning record against all national sides. New Zealand's rugby history began in 1883 with their first match against New South Wales, and their first international test was in 1903 against Australia. Rugby is now the national sport of New Zealand, and the All Blacks have dominated the international scene. With 330 wins out of 443 matches, they are the most successful team in rugby history. The IRB named them Team of the Year in 2005, 2006, and 2008. The All Blacks also hold the best record in the Tri-Nations, with nine series wins, far surpassing the Springboks and the Wallabies, who each have only two. Additionally, the All Blacks have maintained control of the Bledisloe Cup for many years. Their only loss in a test series came against the British and Irish Lions, but they have won more Grand Slam tours of Europe than any other Southern Hemisphere team. The All Blacks co-hosted the first Rugby World Cup with Australia, and David Kirk was the first to lift the William Webb Ellis Trophy after they triumphed over France 29-9 in the final. Over the years, the All Blacks have produced numerous rugby legends, including Sean Fitzpatrick, John Kirwan, Grant Fox, Ian Kirkpatrick, Christian Cullen, Andrew Mehrtens, Tana Umaga, Carlos Spencer, Richie McCaw, and Jonah Lomu. Despite their legendary status, the All Blacks have only won the Rugby World Cup once, leaving fans to wonder why they have not claimed the title more often. One of the All Blacks' most iconic traditions is performing the Haka, or Kapo-o-Panga, before every match.
Contributor: guy
2. South Africa
The South African national rugby team, known as the Springboks, first played international rugby in 1891 when a British Isles team visited South Africa. Rugby's popularity soared in South Africa during the early 20th century, to the point where a ceasefire was arranged during the Second Boer War to allow the British and Boer forces to play a rugby match. South Africa embarked on its first overseas tour to the British Isles and France in 1906. Despite their international involvement, South Africa's participation was restricted due to the Apartheid Laws, which led to the Springboks being excluded from the first two Rugby World Cups. Nevertheless, in 1995, South Africa was re-invited to the tournament and even hosted the third edition, where they triumphed over the New Zealand All Blacks with a 15-12 victory in the final. The Springboks later reached the semifinals in 1999 and the quarterfinals in 2003, but in 2007, they triumphed again, defeating England to become the second team to win the Rugby World Cup twice. The success of the 1995 tournament also led to changes in rugby laws, paving the way for professional rugby teams. South Africa regularly competes in the Super Twelve tournament and the Tri-Nations series against New Zealand and Australia. The Springboks are known for employing all facets of the game, delivering thrilling matches with a blend of running, kicking, passing, and forward drives.
1. Australia
The Australian Rugby Union team, known as the Wallabies, is regarded as one of the greatest teams in rugby history. They participate annually in the Tri-Nations tournament alongside New Zealand and South Africa. Australia played a key role in founding the Rugby World Cup, co-hosting the inaugural tournament with New Zealand in 1987. The New South Wales Rugby Union made history in 1883 by becoming the first team to tour overseas, playing against New Zealand. In 1888, a British Isles team visited Australia for the first time. Over the next century, rugby gained immense popularity in Australia, with the national team touring Europe annually. In 1984, the Wallabies made history by becoming the first Australian team to complete a Grand Slam, defeating all major European teams on a single tour. Australia has participated in all six Rugby World Cups and holds the best record among all nations in the tournament. The Wallabies are one of only two teams to have won the World Cup twice, securing victories in 1991 and 1999, and were runners-up in 2003. In 1995, Australia, along with New Zealand and South Africa, established the first professional rugby union competition, the Super Ten. The Wallabies have produced a wealth of rugby legends, including Tim Horan, David Campese, John Eales, and George Gregan, who holds the record for the most capped player of all time. Known for their daring style of play, the Wallabies are always exciting to watch, as they often take risks that other teams would hesitate to attempt. They are also praised for having one of the best defenses in world rugby and exceptional ball retention, which allows them to maintain continuous phases of play.
