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New Zealand could equal lowest ever World Rugby ranking this weekend
By Sam Smith
New Zealand could fall to their lowest ever position on World Rugby's rankings table, if results don't go their way this weekend in the Autumn Nations Series.
The All Blacks face arguably their greatest challenge of the tour against Fabien Galthie's France in Paris.
The team that has dominated the table since its inception could fall to third in the table, although they could also regain the top spot should they beat France and first place South Africa fall to England at Twickenham. The All Blacks last occupied third in February of this year.
Even if they lose badly at Twickenham, No.1 side South Africa cannot finish lower than second.
England could fall as low as sixth if they lose by more than 15 points, depending on other results in France, Ireland and Wales. Eddie Jones' men could also climb to second in the rankings for the first time since February if they beat South Africa by more than 15 points and New Zealand lose to France by the same margin.
France will climb above Australia if they beat New Zealand and the Wallabies either lose or draw in Cardiff. Third is possible for Les Bleus depending on their margin of victory and results in England and Ireland.
Australia can return to third if they beat Wales and England and Ireland are beaten. Wales will climb above Argentina if they win and Los Pumas are beaten by Ireland.
Andy Farrell's men will climb one place to third if they beat Argentina and England lose, while a victorious Argentina will climb one place if Scotland also lose to lower-ranked Japan.
Los Pumas could climb as high as fourth if they win by more than 15 points and Australia and France suffer defeat by the same margin.
Scotland can only improve their rating by a maximum of 0.41 points against Japan so must win by more than 15 points and France lose by the same margin to climb one place.
Japan will climb above a beaten Wales if they make it two wins in a row against Scotland. Georgia must beat Fiji by more than 15 points for the sides to swap places and the Lelos equal their highest-ever ranking of 11th.
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Latest Comments
“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
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