The Quilter Nations Series has reshaped the international rugby standings, both in the official World Rugby rankings and in the unofficial rankings of rugby fans worldwide. All Black-turned-coach Todd Blackadder has, this week, submitted his rankings of the best 10 teams in the world as it stands following the November Test window.<\/p>\n
Blackadder\u2019s sentiment echoed that of many pundits weighing in on the state of the game in 2025, expressing excitement at the competitiveness of Test rugby, while recognising South Africa<\/a> as the team to beat.<\/p>\n The Toshiba Brave Lupus coach shared broad views on a handful of national teams, recognising some teams trending upwards and some struggling to generate momentum.<\/p>\n Reigning Six Nations<\/a> champions France<\/a> were said to be suffering from a lack of continuity in the Test arena due to their extended Top 14<\/a> season. Blackadder pointed to the understrength squad selected for the July Series in New Zealand<\/a> as a reason why the team weren\u2019t able to hit the ground running in November.<\/p>\n Likewise, Ireland\u2019s efforts in November gave Blackadder the impression that the team were lacking preparation, with a Lions<\/a> tour in July disrupting the team\u2019s continuity. He said Andy Farrell\u2019s men looked \u201cout of sorts\u201d against Japan, and \u201ctoo fired up\u201d against South Africa.<\/p>\n On Australia, Blackadder was of the opinion that a lot of good would come from the 2025 season, which consisted of one of the toughest schedules Test rugby can offer.<\/p>\n Blackader provided a more comprehensive view of Rassie Erasmus\u2019 Springboks.<\/p>\n \u201cI think they\u2019ve just started their curve up, unfortunately,\u201d he explained, speaking with D\u2019Arcy Waldegrave on Newstalk ZB. \u201cHe\u2019s basically got two teams, and he\u2019s building so much depth. If you simply want to get better, you\u2019ve got to be competing against the best. Obviously, the way they train and compete is only creating more quality players and more quality depth.<\/p>\n \u201cI think what they\u2019ve got is a really successful formula, and I can\u2019t see them getting any weaker. If anything, there are some good young guys you just see now and again, and he slowly drip-feeds them back into the team when they\u2019re ready, while keeping his experienced players fresh.<\/p>\n \u201cI think they\u2019re going to be right at the top for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n He also touched on Steve Borthwick\u2019s England, who are making their way up the World Rugby rankings, currently sitting third.<\/p>\n