Springboks: BEST and WORST possible World Rugby rankings heading into the Rugby World Cup!

The Springboks have plenty to play for heading into the Rugby World Cup in France. Here is their BEST and WORST possible World Rankings heading into the global showpiece.

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The Springboks currently lie in fourth position in the latest World Rankings, according to World Rugby.

Between now and the Rugby World Cup a lot could change. Let’s divulge deeper into the best, worst and likely standings for the men in green and gold as they head into their title defense.

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BEST AND WORST POSSIBLE WORLD RANKINGS FOR SPRINGBOKS

The Springboks could enter the World Cup in first place if Ireland, New Zealand and France all have a poor run during their Rugby World Cup friendlies.

However, this is highly unlikely given the sequence of results that needs to occur.

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Furthermore, their form and their fixtures give us very little reason to believe.

In order for the Springboks to move up this weekend they need to beat Argentina by 15 in Beunes Aires whilst Ireland and NZ would have to lose at home by the same margin. This is highly unlikely given that the All Blacks host Australia (who they comfortably beat away from home 38-7 in Melbourne a week ago. The two Southern Hemisphere giants are set to clash at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin while Ireland host Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

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However, the Boks can remain relatively hopeful of a climb (although also unlikely).

Les Bleus host a buoyant Scottish side at Murrayfield. The same scenario applies, if the French lose by 15 and the Boks win by the same margin, they could leapfrog the French.

SOUTH AFRICA’S LIKELY STANDINGS HEADING INTO RUGBY WORLD CUP

A quick look at the Rugby World Cup warm-ups lead us to believe that the Boks will land in France in FOURTH place on the World Rankings.

Even if Scotland upset France they are unlikely to do it twice in a row (with the return leg in France). Moreover, they are unlikely to beat them by 15+ points. Furthermore, the French should convincingly beat the Fiji and Australis in their remaining fixtures.

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In contrast the All Blacks are unlikely to lose to Australia. There will be extra motivation for the Boks to beat NZ by 15 in order to overtake them but this is also highly unlikely (the points margin).

Finally, Ireland should have a clear run in with fixtures against Italy, England and Samoa. Therefore, we expect the Boks to enter their title defense in France in FOURTH place.

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