Wales’ top spot could be claimed by Ireland
WALES’ time as the world’s No.1 rugby team could be over in a matter of days.
That’s because third-placed Ireland will overtake them and New Zealand if they beat England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Neither Wales or the All Blacks are in action this weekend, and both face the prospect of dropping a place down the rankings with England against Ireland and Scotland against France the only tier-one fixtures being played.
Wales are currently enjoying top spot in the world rugby rankings for the first time in history after a win over England at the weekend saw New Zealand overtaken for the first time in 509 weeks.
Despite the All Blacks bouncing back to defeat Australia 36-0 a week after they lost 47-26, Wales climbed to the top spot due to the fact they picked up more ranking points for beating an England team ranked higher than Australia.
Eddie Jones’ men will not be able to go above Wales in the rankings if they win, but a victory away from home for Joe Schmidt’s Ireland at Twickenham – by any margin – on Saturday would see them leapfrog Wales in the table and snatch the No.1 spot.
An England win would see them overtake South Africa and take fourth spot.
Ireland have never held the No.1 ranking since the current system was introduced in 2003.
Wales and Ireland play each other in back to back fixtures on August 31 and September 7, the results of which will determine who arrives at next month’s World Cup as the top team in the world.
The current World Rugby rankings
1 WALES 89.43
2 NEW ZEALAND 89.40
3 IRELAND 88.69
4 SOUTH AFRICA 86.83
5 ENGLAND 86.79
6 AUSTRALIA 84.05
7 FRANCE 80.58
8 SCOTLAND 79.01
9 JAPAN 77.21
10 FIJI 76.98
If Ireland win against England
1 IRELAND 89.80
2 WALES 89.43
3 NEW ZEALAND 89.40
4 SOUTH AFRICA 86.83 5 ENGLAND 86.79
6 AUSTRALIA 84.05
7 FRANCE 80.58
8 SCOTLAND 79.01
9 JAPAN 77.21
10 FIJI 76.98