After surrendering the top spot in the World Rugby rankings, the Springboks cannot return to the summit regardless of their result against Argentina.
Rassie Erasmus’ charges are on the cusp of winning the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019 needing just a single log point to seal the title.
However, even if they do so in style by claiming a massive victory over Argentina who have the opportunity to their highest ranking since 2008.
Due to the 7.47 points difference between South Africa and Argentina – before home weighting is factored in – the Springboks cannot return to the top of the rankings, after dropping to second place following their defeat to Los Pumas last week.
Therefore, South Africa will remain in second place on the rankings even if they claim a win of more than 15 points over Felipe Cotepomi’s side as the Boks will not earn any rating points for a victory of any kind.
Regardless of the results this weekend, South Africa will remain in second place as third-placed New Zealand cannot overtake him.
Like South Africa, New Zealand cannot improve their rating with a victory over Australia as the All Blacks‘ current rating is 9.38 points better than Australia’s before home weighting is factored in.
However, a defeat in the second Bledisloe Cup clash will see New Zealand drop at least one place to fourth with France the beneficiary.
The All Blacks do face the prospect of dropping to an equal all-time low of fifth if they lose to Australia and Argentina go back-to-back against South Africa – although only if one of the margins is by more than 15 points.
As for the Wallabies, they will jump two positions to eighth if they defeat the All Blacks – who haven’t won in Wellington since 2018. The All Blacks’ record at Sky Stadium is the worst of any active venue in New Zealand, having won less than three-quarters of their matches at the ‘Cake Tin’.
If Australia lose to New Zealand, they cannot drop from their current ranking of 10th, regardless of the of the All Blacks’ margin of victory.
Argentina moved into sixth place on the world rankings after defeating the Springboks last time out and could move up another two places.
If Cotepomi’s charges defeat South Africa, it will be enough to lift them above England into fifth place while France will also be overhauled if they win by more 15 points.
Los Pumas could climb to third – for the first time since June 2008 – if they win by more than 15 points and Australia beat New Zealand – this would equal their all-time high.
New Zealand win by 15 points or less – New Zealand 88.70, Australia 79.32 (No change)
New Zealand win by more than 15 points – New Zealand 88.70, Australia 79.32 (No change)
Draw – New Zealand 87.70, Australia 80.32
Australia win by 15 points or less – New Zealand 86.70, Australia 81.32
Australia win by more than 15 points – New Zealand 85.70, Australia 82.32
South Africa win by 15 points or less – South Africa 91.77, Argentina 84.30 (No change)
South Africa win by more than 15 points – South Africa 91.77, Argentina 84.30 (No change)
Draw – South Africa 90.77, Argentina 85.30
Argentina win by 15 points or less – South Africa 89.77, Argentina 86.30
Argentina win by more than 15 points – South Africa 88.77, Argentina 87.30
1 Ireland 92.12
2 South Africa 91.77
3 New Zealand 88.70
4 France 86.96
5 England 85.40
6 Argentina 84.30
7 Scotland 82.82
8 Italy 79.98
9 Fiji 79.64
10 Australia 79.32
11 Wales 76.04
12 Georgia 74.10
13 Samoa 72.68
14 Japan 72.22
15 Portugal 70.61
16 Tonga 67.78
17 Uruguay 67.39
18 Spain 66.29
19 USA 65.70
20 Romania 62.62
READ MORE: World Rankings explained: How did Ireland move above the Springboks without playing?
