As the Springboks gear up to face the All Blacks this Saturday, there’s a lot at stake beyond just the match itself.
This game is packed with interesting subplots and could have a significant impact on the world rankings.
Historic Win on the Horizon
If the Springboks manage to win this weekend, it would be a historic achievement, marking only the second time they’ve secured four consecutive victories against the All Blacks.
The last time they pulled off this feat was between 1937 and 1949, when they actually won six straight Tests against the Kiwis.
Moreover, this victory would be the first four-match winning streak against New Zealand since South Africa’s rugby unity in the early 1990s.
Winning at the DHL Stadium would also mean clinching the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
Impact on the Rugby Championship and World Rankings
A win for the Springboks would not only put them in a strong position to claim the Rugby Championship title but also help them retain their No. 1 world ranking.
However, losing could be costly.
If the Springboks fall to New Zealand, they risk dropping to third place in the world rankings, especially if the margin of defeat is more than 15 points.
On the other hand, if the Springboks win by a significant margin, they could extend their lead over Ireland to 1.56 points.
New Zealand, even with back-to-back losses, won’t drop from third place, as they’ll still be ahead of France.
Argentina, currently struggling, won’t regain their sixth place even with a big win over Australia, who could move up to seventh with a victory.
Rankings Implications for Other Teams
In the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji can’t improve beyond their 10th place, even with a win over Tonga.
Japan, too, can only gain a small number of points from a victory over the USA, while the USA could rise to 16th if they win and Tonga loses.
Japan might drop a place to 15th if they lose, potentially to Portugal.
Tonga could climb two places to 14th with a big win and a Japanese defeat, but if they win by a smaller margin, they might only move up one place.
Fiji, meanwhile, risks losing their spot in the top 10 if they’re beaten by Tonga, with Wales poised to take their place.
Understanding the World Rugby Rankings
The World Rugby Rankings are calculated using a points exchange system.
Teams gain or lose points based on match results, the relative strength of the teams, the margin of victory, and home advantage.
Matches not involving two full member unions, like the British and Irish Lions test against Japan, do not affect the rankings.
For more information on the World Rugby Rankings, visit World Rugby Rankings.
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