It is England’s joint lowest position in the standings’ 20-year history.
Ireland top the rankings ahead of second-placed South Africa with the two heavyweights’ presence in Pool B alongside fifth-placed Scotland highlighting the most lop-sided draw in the competition’s history.
Apart from their form on the field, which is underpinned by a leaky defence, they have suffered from a series of suspensions and injuries that have disrupted their build-up. Borthwick himself explained the importance of the rankings heading into the tournament when he announced his 33-man squad on August 7.
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