World Rankings: Bok Women poised for historic leap
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has revealed the ranking permutations for a pivotal weekend featuring the Women’s Six Nations, Pacific Four Series and Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship.
And even without taking the field, the Springbok Women have plenty at stake.
South Africa may be idle but results elsewhere could lift them to a historic high.
If Italy fall to Scotland in their Six Nations clash, the Azzurre will slip below the Springbok Women – pushing South Africa up to a record ninth in the world rankings.
USA will climb one place to sixth if they beat Canada for the first time since 2019 and Scotland lose in Italy.
Scotland can equal their all-time high of fifth if they beat Italy and Ireland lose in France. The Scots last sat as high in the rankings in October 2024.
England, New Zealand and Canada are unable to improve their ratings with victories over the lower ranked Wales, Australia and USA respectively.
Canada will reclaim second place if they beat USA and New Zealand suffer a first-ever loss against Australia in the other Pacific Four Series encounter.
France will surrender fourth place to Ireland if they are beaten by more than 15 points on home soil.
Fiji will surrender 13th place to Spain if they fail to beat Samoa in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship title decider in Ba.
