Ireland could yet have last laugh on World Rugby Men's Rankings

Ireland could theoretically return to the No.1 spot in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings this weekend, despite being eliminated from the Rugby World Cup last weekend by New Zealand.

The All Blacks also stand on the precipice of regaining the coveted number one spot if they emerge victorious against Argentina, coupled with a potential South African loss to England.

The All Blacks, who have not held the top-ranking since November 2021, could see the Springboks tumble two places down to third in this dramatic scenario.

WATCH as Springbok flyhalf speaks about the residual beef England will have after the 2019 World Cup Final loss to South Africa

WATCH as Springbok flyhalf speaks about the residual beef England will have after the 2019 World Cup Final loss to South Africa

However, should both South Africa and New Zealand falter in their quests for a record fourth Rugby World Cup triumph, the top spot will be ceded back to Ireland.

A narrow defeat for the South Africans would still see them relinquish one place, slipping to second, with England surging ahead to fourth place, leaving New Zealand behind.

Argentina also have rankings skin in the game. A triumph against New Zealand would propel them up the rankings, with a potential leap to third place, a position they have not occupied since June 2008. To achieve this, they must secure a victory against the All Blacks by a margin exceeding 15 points, while hoping for an equivalent winning margin for England.

In such a scenario, England could vault to second place, while South Africa and New Zealand would tumble to fifth and sixth, respectively. For New Zealand, this would represent an unprecedented low, marking their worst-ever ranking of fifth.

This seismic shift in rankings would be historic, as it would be the first time since the rankings’ inception in October 2003 that both South Africa and New Zealand find themselves outside the top four. England, in contrast, would ascend to second place, a ranking they have not enjoyed since February 2021.

The drama doesn’t end there. South Africa faces the risk of sliding down to fifth if they suffer a loss to England by a margin exceeding 15 points. On the flip side, victory for both New Zealand and South Africa would set the stage for a thrilling rematch of the Rugby World Cup 1995 final, with no changes in the rankings.

South Africa’s potential gain is limited, with a maximum increase of 0.46 points if they manage to overcome England, while New Zealand has the opportunity to narrow the gap by earning up to 0.65 points for defeating Los Pumas.