(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Rugby Championship: Who Will Be Number One This Weekend?
The opening round of The Rugby Championship could see a shake-up at the top of the World Rugby Rankings — with South Africa, New Zealand, and Ireland all in the running for the No.1 spot.
South Africa currently lead the rankings, but their margin over second-placed New Zealand has narrowed. If the Springboks defeat Australia in Johannesburg on Saturday, they will hold on to the top position no matter what happens in the later clash between the All Blacks and Argentina in Cordoba.
New Zealand can improve their points tally with a win in Argentina, but not enough to overtake South Africa — unless the Springboks slip up. History is on their side: the All Blacks have never lost to Argentina on Argentine soil, though they were held to a 21-21 draw back in 1985.
If South Africa lose, especially by a wide margin, the rankings could change dramatically. A heavy defeat could even drop them to third, with Ireland moving up to second — and potentially to first if both South Africa and New Zealand lose by more than 15 points.
Ireland’s chances are slim but still alive. They haven’t topped the rankings since last October, but a perfect set of results could see them return to No.1.
Meanwhile, Australia and Argentina have extra motivation. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw coming later this year, teams ranked in the top six will be in the first pot of seeds. The Wallabies sit sixth, just ahead of Argentina by the smallest margin. This weekend could decide which of them stays in that crucial position.
Expect high drama, historic rivalries, and potential surprises when the Rugby Championship kicks off — because the battle for the top of world rugby is wide open.
