How ABs could fall to sixth in the world

A world rankings shake up could be on the cards in men’s international rugby this weekend, and the All Blacks could face the biggest drop.

Sitting atop the rankings, where they have been since late 2009, a loss to the Wallabies at Eden Park tomorrow night would see an end to their reign at the top.

If the All Blacks lose, they’ll fall to fourth in the world while a loss by 16 points or more will see them plummet to sixth. Both would be an all-time low ranking for the national side, who have only fallen as low as third on the world rankings. However, should they lose and Wales beat England on Sunday morning (NZ time), or England win by 16 points or more, the All Blacks would only drop to third.

If the Wallabies were able to end their 33-year drought at Eden Park, either Ireland, England or Wales would move to the top of the rankings.

In that situation, a win over England by any margin would lift Wales to the top of the rankings for the first time in the union’s history, while a 16-point win over Wales would give England their second reign at the top. Should the two sides draw, Ireland would take the top spot.

Should the All Blacks beat the Wallabies, Wales and England could still take over at the top.

If the All Blacks win and Wales win by any margin, Wales will dethrone the New Zealand side. If the All Blacks win by any margin and England win by 16 points or more, England will dethrone the All Blacks.

Meanwhile, South Africa have changed all 15 starters for their Rugby World Cup warm-up test against Argentina, including the recall of captain Siya Kolisi for his first international this season after injury.

Kolisi returned at openside flanker in the team named yesterday but is not captain for Sunday’s game in Pretoria as he concentrates on proving his fitness before South Africa starts the World Cup in Japan next month against the All Blacks.

Kolisi was out for two months with a knee injury before returning to action with his provincial team last week.

Hooker Schalk Brits will lead South Africa against Argentina.

The South Africa team did have some unexpected news yesterday when attack consultant Swys de Bruin asked to be released from his role.

SA Rugby said de Bruin was quitting for “personal and medical reasons”.

De Bruin is the head coach of the Lions Super Rugby team and took a brief break from that job this year because of a stress-related illness before a match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.