Rugby Rankings this weekend

With nine of the top 10 teams playing this weekend, the results could bring about a number of changes to the IRB World Rankings, as detailed below.

New Zealand, currently 1st

Win or lose against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, New Zealand will remain at the top of the IRB World Rankings.

France, currently 2nd

If France defeat Argentina at Stade de France, they will remain in second in the IRB World Rankings. If they lose, they could end up as low as fourth, depending on other results.

Ireland, currently 3rd

As they are playing the Pacific Islands, the result of this match will not count towards the IRB World Rankings. However, Ireland could drop below Australia and South Africa if either record wins this weekend.

Australia, currently 4th

If Australia defeat Scotland, they will remain at least in third in the rankings. If Argentina also defeat France, Australia will go up to second. If Australia lose to Scotland, they could end up as low as fifth in the rankings.

South Africa, currently 5th

South Africa could reclaim third place in the IRB World Rankings, if they defeat England and Scotland beat Australia. Defeat against England will not affect the Springboks' fifth place ranking.

Argentina, currently 6th

Even if they defeat France, Argentina will remain in sixth place in the IRB World Rankings. If they lose, they will only drop to seventh if England see off South Africa.

England, currently 7th

England will go up to sixth if they defeat South Africa and France overcome Argentina in Paris. Should Argentina win, however, then they will remain ahead of England in the rankings. Should England lose and Scotland defeat Australia, they will drop to eighth in the rankings.

Scotland, currently 8th

Scotland could move up one place in the IRB World Rankings to seventh if they can get the better of Australia, and South Africa defeat England. If they lose and Wales can overcome New Zealand, they will drop to ninth.

Wales, currently 9th

Wales could move up to seventh if they can beat the number one-ranked team in the world and other results go in their favour. A defeat will not have any effect on their position in the rankings.

Italy, currently 12th

Italy will remain in 12th, even if they defeat Canada by more than 15 points. They will, however, move to within 0.4 rating points of Fiji in 11th. If they lose to Canada, the Italians will fall to 13th in the rankings.

Canada, currently 13th

If Canada defeat Italy, they will replace the Azzurri in 12th. If they lose, they will drop to 14th, 0.01 rating points behind USA.

A full explanation of the IRB World Rankings system can be found at irb.com.