WORLD RANKINGS: Ireland cut into Springboks’ lead at the top

Following on from the Springboks’ triumphant World Cup campaign, South Africa boast 94.54 points in the world rugby rankings. At the start of the year, Ireland were next best in second with 90.57, having moved above the All Blacks after their loss in the RWC final.

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This past weekend, though, Ireland returned to action and claimed a stunning victory over France in their Six Nations opener, which is set to see them gain 1.54 rankings points.

If Ireland can go on to once again claim a Grand Slam success in the Six Nations, they will continue to cut into the Springboks’ lead at a time when South Africa will only return to action in June.

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THE LATEST WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS CHANGES AS THE SPRINGBOKS SIT AT THE SUMMIT

Beaten quarter-finalists, France, are still fourth, while England sit fifth and Scotland are sixth after those latter two teams started the Six Nations with wins.

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SIX NATIONS 2024 FIXTURES

Round 1

Fri 2 Feb, France 17 Ireland 38
Sat 3 Feb, Italy 24 England 27
Sat 3 Feb, Wales 26 Scotland 27

Round 2

Sat 10 Feb, Scotland v France (15:15)
Sat 10 Feb, England v Wales (17:45)
Sun 11 Feb, Ireland v Italy (16:00)

Round 3

Sat 24 Feb, Ireland v Wales (15:15)
Sat 24 Feb, Scotland v England (17:45)
Sun 25 Feb, France v Italy (16:00)

Round 4

Sat 9 March, Italy v Scotland (15:15)
Sat 11 March, England v Ireland (17:45)
Sun 12 March, Wales v France (16:00)

Round 5

Sat 16 March, Wales v Italy (15:15)
Sat 16 March, Ireland v Scotland (17:45)
Sat 16 March, France v England (21:00)

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