After New Zealand’s win over Ireland, only a Scotland win at Murrayfield on Sunday will prevent the Springboks from returning to the top of the World Rugby rankings next week.
Flyhalf Damian McKenzie kicked 18 points as the All Blacks overturned Andy Farrell’s charges 23-13 in Dublin on Friday night. The Irish team’s fall ended their 19-game winning streak and their world number one ranking is now in jeopardy.
The world champion Boks, who held on to first place for 13 months until losing to Argentina in September, will regain first place with a win or draw on Sunday.
For New Zealand, Friday’s win was decisive. It signals a strong comeback and places him just behind Boks in the rankings equation. The All Blacks could go top if Scotland edge out the world champions at Murrayfield.
The Boks are looking for a fifth successive win in the Scottish capital.
Read more: Rassie has his eyes on the UK.
Elsewhere in the rankings, France, currently fourth, will not move up regardless of the result of their game against Japan due to their significant points gap. Argentina, ranked 5th, can leap to 4th place if it defeats Italy and also loses France.
England, who are also within striking distance, could move into the top four if they beat Australia and other results are adjusted in their favour.
Meanwhile, Italy, which is ranked 8th, its highest record ever, will not rise further even if it beats Argentina, but there is a risk of losing. Fiji, too, has a lot at stake. A win against Wales could see them move up two places, while a 15-point win for Wales could close the gap on them to the top 10.
Conversely, Wales could suffer a heavy defeat and fall to a historic 12th place if Japan upsets France.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
