Springboks set to LOSE No 1 ranking to All Blacks this weekend!

The world champion Springboks will in all likelihood lose their coveted World Rugby No 1 ranking to their closest rivals, the All Blacks on Saturday.

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The Springboks currently top the standings with 91.13 points, just 0.16 ahead of the All Blacks (90.97) heading into the weekend.

While the Springboks will not be in action, the All Blacks will take on Wales in a clash which falls outside of the international window.

Kick-off in Cardiff is at 18:15 SA time.

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While the All Blacks, who are coming off a 104-14 hiding of the USA in Washington last Saturday, will be at full-strength, Wales will be severely hampered by a host of unavailable first-choice players.

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A victory by a margin of 1-15 points will see the All Blacks pick up 0.26 points and move to No 1, while a win of 16 or more points will see Ian Foster’s men collect 0.39 points and move further ahead of the Springboks.

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The Springboks won’t be in action until the following weekend when they too take on Wales, before Tests against Scotland and England.

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Following their match against Wales, the All Blacks will take on Italy, Ireland and France.

TOP 10 IN WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS AHEAD OF WEEKEND’S TESTS:

1. South Africa – 91.13

2. New Zealand – 90.97

3. Australia – 87.51

4. England – 85.44

5. Ireland – 84.85

6. France – 83.87

7. Scotland – 82.02

8. Argentina – 80.69

9. Wales – 80.59

10. Japan – 78.61

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