Ireland to finally climb to No.1?

WORLD RANKINGS: On Saturday, Ireland take on Wales for the second weekend in a row with both teams knowing they’re in with a chance of overhauling New Zealand at the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

New Zealand are also in action, at home to Tonga in Hamilton, while Canada and the USA renew their rivalry in Vancouver and Australia play Samoa in Sydney.

With New Zealand unable to improve their rating with victory over Tonga, Ireland can climb to the top for first time if they beat Wales. A draw would be enough to do this if New Zealand fail to beat Tonga.

Wales would drop to fifth in defeat if South Africa win Japan by more than 15 points – unless England lose to Italy.

Wales will climb to second in victory or return to top spot if they win by more than 15 points.

Ireland and Wales will swap places if Wales win and New Zealand, England and South Africa also triumph by less than 15 points

Ireland will drop to fifth if they lose by more than 15 points and South Africa and England both win.