New Zealand can ease world ranking misery at Ellis Park

New Zealand can ease world ranking misery at Ellis Park

New Zealand have the opportunity to leapfrog South Africa in the world rankings this weekend when they tackle the Springboks at Ellis Park.

 

The stadium that hosted the iconic Rugby World Cup Final in 1995, will host one of rugby's fiercest rivals once again as New Zealand look to end a run of three straight defeats.

 

If Ian Foster's charges topple the Springboks at the historic venue, New Zealand will move into fourth place, ahead of England, in the world rankings. A win of more than 15 points will see New Zealand leapfrog South Africa into third place.

 

On the flip side, a win of any kind will see South Africa claim second place in the rankings going, moving clear of France - who they are currently tied with when rounding to two decimal points.

 

A win will earn South Africa at least 0.37 of a point and if they defeat their rivals, they will close the gap on Ireland, the world’s number one team, to less than a quarter of a point.


 

In the case of a defeat, New Zealand cannot drop to a new all-time low of sixth as they still maintain a healthy enough lead over Australia.

 

Over to the later Rugby Championship match, neither Argentina nor Australia can improve their position based on the result of their encounter.


 

Argentina will remain ninth whatever happens against the Wallabies this weekend, while the tourists, who won 41-26 in the opening test, cannot move up from sixth.

 

A heavy defeat of more than 15 points, however, would see Australia dropping below Scotland, to equal their lowest ever ranking of seventh.

 
 

CURRENT WORLD RANKINGS

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