Rugby World Cup power rankings one year before Australia tournament

With just a year until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, Yahoo Sports has released their power rankings for the world's top teams. South Africa tops the list despite a recent defeat, praised for their tactical evolution and strong squad. France follows, looking to claim their first title after a narrow miss on home soil, while Ireland aims to overcome historical challenges in knockout matches. New Zealand shows promise under new coach Dave Rennie, and England is expected to improve despite struggles in previous tournaments. Australia, invigorated by a recent victory over South Africa, could be a strong contender on home turf as the tournament approaches.

• 6:51 AMYahoo Sports — Rugby World Cup power rankings: Who tops our list of contenders a year before tournament?