Following New Zealand’s win over Ireland, only a Scotland victory at Murrayfield on Sunday can stop the Springboks from returning to the summit of the World Rugby rankings next week.
Flyhalf Damian McKenzie kicked 18 points as the All Blacks upset Andy Farrell’s charges 23-13 in Dublin on Friday night. The result marked the end of Ireland’s 19-match winning streak and their reign at No 1 in the rankings.
The world champion Boks, who were entrenched in first place for 13 months until their September defeat to Argentina, will regain top spot with a win or draw on Sunday.
For New Zealand, Friday’s victory was crucial, signalling a strong return to form and positioning them just behind the Boks in the rankings equation, though the All Blacks will claim No 1 if Scotland upstages the world champions at Murrayfield.
The Boks are chasing their fifth successive win in the Scottish capital.
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Elsewhere in the rankings, France, currently fourth, won’t move up regardless of their outcome against Japan due to a significant points gap. Argentina, fifth, could jump to fourth if they defeat Italy, coupled with a France loss.
England, also within striking distance, could break into the top four if they defeat Australia and see other results align in their favor.
Meanwhile, Italy, holding a historic high of eighth, won’t climb higher even with a win over Argentina but risks slipping with a loss. Fiji, too, has much at stake: a victory over Wales could boost them by two places, while a Welsh victory by 15 points or more could narrow the gap to the top 10.
Conversely, Wales could face a historic drop to 12th if they lose heavily and Japan upsets France.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
