WXV Global Series: Wallaroos and Scotland set for World Rugby rankings battle

The Wallaroos or Scotland could end the weekend ranked sixth in the World Rugby rankings when the latest weekend of WXV Global Series fixtures concludes.

Which team moves up in the rankings will be determined by the winner of the two teams’ meeting in Edinburgh on Saturday. It is the first time the two teams have met on Scottish soil.

There is even potential for the Wallaroos to move to fifth and equal their highest-ever position in the rankings if Ireland lose to Japan.

England will not lose top spot in the World Rugby rankings, although their lead can be cut to 0.75 points if the Black Ferns win by 15 points or more at Allianz Stadium.

Whitney Hansen’s team will not see second place leave their grasp, as Canada and France are unable to catch them. Their advantage could be slashed to 0.05 points if they beat France by more than 15 points and the Black Ferns lose by the same margin.

Scott Bemand’s team can only gain 0.06 ranking points with a win against Japan. The Sakura Fifteen can move up to 10th with a win in Galway if South Africa lose to Italy.

Wales can return to the top 10 of the rankings if they beat the USA Women’s Eagles and South Africa lose to Italy. The USA could fall up to three places depending on the results between Italy and South Africa and Scotland and Wales.

Italy can move back up to sixth place if they beat South Africa, provided that the USA do not win by a bigger margin should they beat Wales.

The Springbok Women cannot improve on 10th place, even with a win by more than 15 points. They can drop two places if Wales and Japan beat the USA and Ireland, respectively.

WXV Global Series Challenger

In the final round of WXV Global Series Challenger action in Hong Kong, there are a number of World Rugby rankings changes that could occur.

Fiji cannot improve their place in the rankings if they beat the Netherlands, even if higher-ranked Wales and Japan lose. A victory over the *Oranje* will crown the Fijiana as WXV Global Series Challenger champions.

To improve on 15th place, the Netherlands must beat Fiji by 15 points or more. Hong Kong China can move up to 15th if they beat Manusina Samoa by 15 points or more and the Netherlands lose to Fiji by the same margin.

Samoa cannot fall lower than 17th with a loss, but can move to 15th with a resounding win over Hong Kong China. Brazil can move up to a new high of 22nd with a victory against Spain. Las Leonas cannot advance from 14th.