There could be a new No 1 ranked team in the world by the end of the weekend depending on results.
The All Blacks are currently at the top of
the rankings and have been for nearly a decade, however, another loss to the
Wallabies on Saturday would have serious consequences.
To go through the permutations a loss for
the All Blacks would see them drop to at least fourth momentarily in the
rankings table behind Wales, Ireland and England. While a loss for the All
Blacks by 16 points or more would see them fall to sixth.
Either one would be an all-time low for the
reigning back-to-back World Cup champions, having only ever gone as low as
third before.
Wales’ clash with England holds many of the
cards to New Zealand’s fate.
If the All Blacks lose and Wales beat
England or if England defeat the Welsh by 16 points or more, New Zealand will drop
to third.
If New Zealand lose and Wales win by any
margin, they will top the rankings for the first time ever.
However, there is a chance that even a win for the All Blacks might not stop them getting knocked from the top. As a win for both them and Wales will see Wales top the rankings while a win for the All Blacks along with a win for England by 16 points or more and England will go top.
Interestingly enough if New Zealand lose
and the Wales and England game ends in a draw, Ireland would head to the top of
pile for the first time in their history.
What is certain is that not only do the All
Blacks need to win against the Wallabies to attempt to retain their Bledisloe
Cup title, but they must also win to stand any chance of staying top of the world
rankings.
