The Weekend's World Rankings Permutations
- 2815
Argentina have the opportunity to climb the World Rugby Rankings this weekend.
Los Pumas face off against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – KO 17:05 (16:05 BST).
Mario Ledesma's charges could climb as high as 3rd in the rankings if they manage to dispatch the World Champions by 15 points or more. If Argentina claim a win of 15 points or more, they will move above Ireland, France and England respectively. Equalling their highest ever position in the rankings, the last time they sat this high was June 2008.
A win of any kind for Argentina will see them move into fourth place behind South Africa, New Zealand and England.
As for the Springboks, Jacques Nienaber's side cannot lose top spot even in an emphatic defeat. A loss of 15 points or more would see them lose 2.71 rating points which would close their gap between South Africa and second placed New Zealand to 2.20, it is currently 4.91.
A loss for Argentina will see them slip back below Australia into seventh place. South Africa can only improve their rating by a maximum of 0.29 rating points with a victory. A 15+ point win would extend their lead over second placed New Zealand to 5.2.
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WORLD RUGBY MEN’S RANKINGS STATS
• Argentina will climb two places to fourth with victory, above Ireland and France.
• Third – equalling their highest ever position – is possible if Los Pumas win by more than 15 points. The last time Argentina sat this high was in June 2008.
• South Africa cannot lose top spot even with such an emphatic defeat as they would still hold a 2.20 rating point cushion over New Zealand. Their advantage is currently 4.91.
• Los Pumas will climb above France and into fifth if they draw for the fourth time in less than a year.
• Argentina will slip back below Australia into seventh in defeat
• South Africa can only improve their rating by a maximum of 0.29 rating points, given the 11.05 rating point difference between the sides before home weighting is factored in for Argentina.
