World Rugby Men's Rankings preview: 4 July, 2026

World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for this weekend's opening rounds of the Nations Championship 2026 and World Rugby Nations Cup 2026. 

Permutation highlights:

• South Africa will surrender top spot if they lose by more than 15 points against England and New Zealand beat France by the same margin.
• Ireland and France can both end the weekend in second place depending on the victory margins.
• Fifth is possible for Argentina, Australia and Scotland, while Fiji could go as high as seventh if they beat Wales by more than 15 points.
• Japan will swap places with a beaten Wales if they are victorious against Italy in Tokyo.
• Uruguay will reach a new high of 13th if they beat Georgia by more than 15 points in the Nations Cup.
• Both Spain and USA could drop as many as three places if beaten by Canada and Portugal respectively.
• Chile could also reach a new high with victory over Romania, for whom defeat could result in a new low of 25th.
• A new high is also possible for Zimbabwe if they can beat Tonga.