Defeat costs Wales in World Rugby Women’s Rankings

Wales will drop to 10th place in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings after losing 40-14 to Scotland at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Friday.

Ioan Cunningham's new-look side led 7-5 at half-time in the WXV 2 warm-up fixture after Megan Webb responded to Evie Gallagher's try.

But Scotland ran away with the match in the second half thanks to doubles from Francesca McGhie and Chloe Rollie and a try from Meryl Smith.

Nel Metcalfe scored a late consolation for Wales to ensure they narrowly avoided their heaviest ever defeat at the hands of Scotland. However, it was Scotland's highest score against Wales, bettering the record of 36 points that had stood since 2000.

With 0.79 points deducted, Wales’ new rating of 73.49 points will put them below Italy and Ireland, who move into eighth and ninth, when the rankings are updated at midday on Monday (BST). 

Scotland remain sixth, however with an improved rating of 76.78 points they will move to within 1.22 points of Australia in fifth.

Meanwhile, England faced France at Kingsholm in Gloucester in a rerun of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2024 title decider back in April.

As they did in Bordeaux, England came out on top, winning 38-19.

First-half tries from Marlie Packer, Jess Breach, and Helena Rowland gave John Mitchell’s side a 19-0 lead at the break.

Packer opened the scoring in the second half again as England continued the turn the screw, with further scores following from Breach and Lucy Packer.

Agathe Sochat, Romane Menager, and Pauline Bourdon Sansus provided France’s tries in the second half.

Neither team’s rating will be affected by the result with England remaining first on 96.90 points and France fourth on 87.27 points.