World Rugby rankings: Ireland put top spot on the line as Fiji eye new high

Ireland could surrender top spot on the World Rugby rankings during this weekend’s Rugby World Cup warm-ups, with New Zealand benefitting.

There is potential for plenty of movement in the Top 10 of the world rankings, with South Africa also in line to improve on their fourth-place ranking.

World Rugby rankings permutations

Ireland host England at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, and if Steve Borthwick’s charges defeat Andy Farrell’s side, they will surrender number one spot to New Zealand.

Due to the 10.29-point ranking difference between Ireland and England, the hosts cannot increase their cushion at the top of the rankings.

A victory will see them retain their number one ranking for another week, but there is a chance they could slip as low as fourth.

If Ireland lose by more than 15 points to England and South Africa claim a victory over Wales by the same margin, while France beat Fiji, Ireland will drop three places.

In the case of the Springboks defeating Wales, they will move up at least one place, going ahead of France – regardless of the result between Les Blues and Fiji, as Fabien Galthie’s side cannot improve their rating.

Wales slumped to their equal lowest-ever ranking of 10th last weekend, but Warren Gatland’s side could quickly rectify that and jump as many as three places.

They would need to beat the Boks by more than 15 points, with that paired with a Fiji loss to Rugby World Cup hosts France.

As for England, Borthwick’s side must defeat Ireland by more than 15 points to move up to fifth place, swapping places with Scotland – who are not in action this weekend.

Fiji on the cusp of new ranking high

On to Fiji and the Pacific Islanders have their highest-ever ranking within their grasps.

They do need an upset, however, and if they achieve that by beating France by more than 15 points, with Ireland matching that margin against England, they will end the weekend ranked sixth.

A smaller margin of victory will see the Flying Fijians equal their previous best ranking of eighth, provided Wales do not beat South Africa.

France will not fall lower than fourth place in defeat.

Fiji’s Rugby World Cup Pool C opponents Georgia are in action against USA this weekend.

With just over 10 ranking points difference between Georgia and the USA, the Lelos cannot improve their rating with a victory, but a defeat could lead to a fall of as many as three places to 14th if Italy defeat Romania.

In that case, USA would move above Uruguay in victory and also Portugal if they win by more than 15 points.

For the Azzurri, they cannot improve on 13th place in their own right, but a win combined with a defeat for Georgia would see them climb to 12th.

Current World Rugby rankings

1. Ireland 91.82
2. New Zealand 90.77
3. France 89.22
4. South Africa 88.97
5. Scotland 84.01
6. England 81.53
7. Argentina 80.86
8. Australia 79.87
9. Fiji 78.70
10. Wales 78.66
11. Georgia 76.23
12. Samoa 76.19
13. Italy 74.63
14. Japan 74.29
15. Tonga 70.29
16. Portugal 68.61
17. Uruguay 66.63
18. USA 66.22
19. Romania 64.56
20. Spain 64.05

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