The Springboks are set to finish the year as the No 1 team in the world rankings, but here are the results they need this weekend.
The third and final 'real' weekend of end-of-year action will take place between Friday and Sunday with eight matches scheduled. Image: SA Rugby website
World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the men’s internationals, and the only way the Springboks could not finish the year in top spot is if they suffer a shock – and unforeseeable – defeat to Wales.The Springboks cannot improve their rating and advantage at the top of the rankings due to the 18.77-point difference between themselves and opponents Wales before home weighting is factored in.
For New Zealand to become number one for the first time since the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup 2019, they must beat Italy in Turin and hope that the Springboks lose by more than 15 points and Ireland are also beaten.Fourth-place France need a favour from Italy as well as beating Argentina in the opening match of the weekend if they are to climb above New Zealand into third.
Scotland cannot improve on sixth place this weekend despite being able to pick nearly a point for an emphatic win over in-form Australia. They could even end a five-match losing run and still fall a place to eighth – equalling their lowest-ever position – if the match at Murrayfield ends in a draw. Wales would need to be beaten by South Africa and England suffer defeat at the hands of Japan for them to drop to a new all-time low of 12th, with the Brave Blossoms replacing them in 11th.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
CONFIRMED: Springboks safe at the top of world rankingsThe Springboks will finish the year at the top of the world rugby rankings, with the team now holding a full two-point lead over Ireland.
Read more »
Confirmed: Springboks to name team early this weekThe Springboks have confirmed when they will announce their team to face Wales in their final Test of the year.
Read more »
Confirmed: When Springboks name team to face EnglandRassie Erasmus has confirmed when he will publicly name the Springbok team to face England in London this weekend.
Read more »
Confirmed: When the Springboks will name team to face ScotlandHere is when Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will unveil the matchday 23 to face Scotland in Edinburgh this Sunday.
Read more »
Confirmed: When Springboks name team to face WalesRassie Erasmus will be naming his final Springboks side of the year very early this week. Here's when - confirmed.
Read more »
CONFIRMED: Springboks can go back to No 1 in rugby rankingsThe Springboks can reclaim No 1 spot in the world rugby rankings if certain results go in their favour during a jampacked weekend of action.
Read more »