Boks in pole position for No 1 spot
09/11/2024 06:08
Following New Zealand’s triumph over Ireland, the Springboks are now well within reach of returning to the summit of world rugby if they beat Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Flyhalf Damian McKenzie kicked 18 points as the All Blacks upset Andy Farrell's charges 23-13 in Dublin on Friday night. The Irish's fall marks the end of their 19-match winning streak and their world No 1 ranking now hangs in the balance.
The world champion Boks, who held the top position for 13 months until their September defeat to Argentina, can regain that standing with a win against the Scots. This would put the world champions back in top spot.
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. The All Blacks could also claim No1 if South Africa falters against Scotland.
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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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