Updated world rankings as Ireland could leapfrog Springboks
Ireland are closing in on the Springboks' top spot in the world rankings and could make another jump after their next game.
Ireland remain unbeaten in the ongoing Six Nations tournament, and looked well-placed to defend their title, while they are now just 1.42 points behind the Springboks in the world rankings.
It also shouldn’t be forgotten that they will next host fourth-ranked France on Saturday, 8 March (16:15 kick off SA time).
This match will offer up some decent ranking points, especially if Ireland could manage to claim a victory margin of more than 15 points.
Ireland will be hoping for a Grand Slam success in the Six Nations, and could also celebrate the added bonus of finishing the tournament back at the summit of the world rankings.
CURRENT WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS AS IRELAND CLOSE IN ON SPRINGBOKS
| RANK | COUNTRY | POINTS |
| 1 | South Africa | 92.78 |
| 2 | Ireland | 91.36 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 90.36 |
| 4 | France | 87.19 |
| 5 | Argentina | 84.97 |
| 6 | England | 84.26 |
| 7 | Scotland | 82.36 |
| 8 | Australia | 81.52 |
| 9 | Fiji | 80.07 |
| 10 | Italy | 78.67 |
| 11 | Georgia | 73.85 |
| 12 | Wales | 73.75 |
| 13 | Japan | 72.95 |
| 14 | Samoa | 72.68 |
| 15 | USA | 70.02 |
| 16 | Portugal | 68.82 |
| 17 | Uruguay | 67.06 |
| 18 | Spain | 65.98 |
| 19 | Tonga | 65.46 |
| 20 | Romania | 63.01 |
SIX NATIONS 2025 FIXTURES
ROUND 4
Saturday, 8 March
Ireland vs France
Scotland vs Wales
Sunday, 9 March
England vs Italy
ROUND 5
Saturday, 15 March
Italy vs Ireland
Wales vs England
France vs Scotland
WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE TOURNAMENT THIS YEAR?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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