The Springboks head into battle against on France on Saturday, with the nature of the result – one way or another – potentially set to have a significant impact at the top of the World Rugby rankings.
South Africa’s advantage at the top of the rankings is currently 1.20 points, but that buffer could be up to nearly five points if the Springboks beat France by more than 15 points in Saint-Denis and New Zealand lose by an equally significant margin to Scotland.
Conversely, if South Africa are beaten and New Zealand maintain their dominant record over Scotland, the sides will swap places with the All Blacks returning to the number one spot that they held for a four-week period during the Rugby Championship.
There’s lots of big Test match rugby on the go this weekend, and plenty of permutations to note.
Rankings preview as Springboks and France headline this weekend’s fixtures:
VIEW WORLD RUGBY MEN’S RANKINGS >>
Kick off times for six big Tests this weekend
Saturday, 7 November
Ireland vs Japan – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 14:40 (SA time)
Scotland vs New Zealand – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh – 17:10
England vs Fiji – Twickenham Stadium, London – 19:40
Italy vs Australia – Bluenergy Stadium, Udine – 19:40
France vs South Africa – Stade de France, Paris – 22:10
Sunday, 8 November
Wales v Argentina – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 17:10
