Possible IRB World Rankings changes this weekend

With eight of the top 10 teams playing in matches that count towards the IRB World Rankings this weekend, the results could bring about a number of changes, as detailed below.

New Zealand, currently 1st
Win or lose against France at the Stade de France, New Zealand will remain at the top of the IRB World Rankings.

France, currently 2nd
If France defeat New Zealand, they will remain in second behind the All Blacks. If they lose, they could end up as low as fourth, depending on the results of the matches between England and South Africa, and Ireland v Australia.

Australia, currently 3rd
If Australia defeat Ireland by more than 15 points at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on Sunday, they will move up to second, assuming New Zealand beat France. If Australia lose and South Africa defeat England, Australia will drop to fourth behind South Africa.

South Africa, currently 4th
If South Africa inflict England's eighth successive defeat at Twickenham on Saturday, they will go up to third in the IRB World Rankings. If they win by more than 15 points, they could go up to second, depending on results elsewhere. South Africa will remain in fourth, unless they lose by more than 15 points and Ireland defeat Australia.

Ireland, currently 5th
Ireland could move up to fourth, if they defeat Australia and England beat South Africa by more than 15 points. Any other scenario, including an Irish loss in Dublin, will see them remain in fifth in the rankings.

Argentina, currently 6th
Argentina will remain in sixth place in the IRB World Rankings if they defeat Italy at the Stadio Flaminio. If they lose, they could end up as low as eighth, whilst Italy will move up to 11th.

England, currently 7th
England will remain in seventh if they defeat South Africa by less than 16 points. If they win by more than 15 points, they will go up to sixth. If England lose, they will go down to eighth in the rankings.

Scotland, currently 8th
As they are playing the Pacific Islands, the result of this match will not count towards the IRB World Rankings.

Wales, currently 9th
Whatever the result in Cardiff, neither Wales nor Canada will change positions in the rankings. If Canada win, however, they will move to within one rating point of Italy in 12th. Wales will be less than one rating point ahead of Samoa.

The latest IRB World Rankings will be available on irb.com on Monday 20 November at 12 midday UK time.