World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for this weekend’s final round of the 2025 Six Nations action.

The third-ranked Ireland can pick up a maximum of 0.18 points for beating Italy this weekend, which isn’t enough to restore them to second place in the World Rugby rankings.

The Springboks and All Blacks will thus retain their status as the No 1 and No 2 ranked teams in the world, until at least July when they return to the international arena for the mid-year Test window.

Additionally, Ireland are safe in third place as long as they win against Italy in Rome, because fourth-ranked France cannot improve their rating with a victory over Scotland due to the 7.15 points difference between the teams before home weighting is factored in.

A draw or worse for Ireland will result in the sides swapping places if France win. This would lift Les Bleus above their rivals in the official World Rugby rankings for the first time since July 2022, the same month in which the Irish were last ranked as low as fourth.

England are unable to improve on sixth place with a victory over Wales by more than 15 points in Cardiff only worth 0.36 rating points, not enough to catch Argentina above.

Steve Borthwick’s side will lose sixth place if they fail to win and Scotland beat France. A win by more than 15 points would not only lift Scotland above England but also Argentina, equalling their best-ever position of fifth since the introduction of the World Rugby ranking system.

Wales could suffer a 17th consecutive test defeat – and second Six Nations whitewash in a row – and still improve on 11th place if Georgia suffer a first Rugby Europe Men’s Championship defeat since 2017 in the title decider with Spain.

A draw for Wales would have the same effect if the Lelos lose, but if Georgia win then the Welsh must beat England to return to 11th place. Wales cannot fall any lower than 12th in defeat.

Italy, meanwhile, must beat Ireland by more than 15 points if they want to climb above Fiji into ninth.

CURRENT WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS:

RANK COUNTRY POINTS
1 South Africa 92.78
2 New Zealand 90.36
3 Ireland 89.71
4 France 89.51
5 Argentina 84.97
6 England 84.26
7 Scotland 82.36
8 Australia 81.52
9 Fiji 80.07
10 Italy 78.00
11 Georgia 74.69
12 Wales 73.75
13 Japan 72.95
14 Samoa 72.68
15 USA 70.02
16 Portugal 68.30
17 Spain 67.34
18 Uruguay 67.06
19 Tonga 65.46
20 Romania 62.76

TICKET SALES

Remember, if you want to catch the Springboks take on Argentina in this year’s Rugby Championship in Twickenham, tickets are now on sale!

Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s.

Hospitality packages are also available on www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com

(*booking fees apply)

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SA Rugby has confirmed the venues of the Springboks’ six local Tests during this season’s Incoming Series and Rugby Championship. Image: SA Rugby website.

Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/rankings-preview-no-six-nations-team-can-catch-the-springboks-at-the-top/