This weekend’s Six Nations action in Rome, Cardiff and Paris could shake up the top 10 teams in the world rankings.

England are in danger of equalling an all-time low, while New Zealand could go top of the pile despite not playing if results go their way.

World Rankings permutations

Ireland head to Rome to tackle Italy as the top-ranked side in the world. However, Andy Farrell’s charges could relinquish top spot if they fall to a defeat to the Azzurri.

In the unlikely case that the Italians do defeat the top-ranked side, France would need to beat Scotland by any margin on Sunday. In this case, Les Bleus would top the rankings for the second time since the rankings were introduced. Last July, Fabien Galthie’s side held top spot for just one week.

A draw would be enough for Ireland to retain top spot, even if France defeats Scotland by more than 15 points. Due to the 15.50 points difference between Ireland and Italy – before home advantage is factored in – Farrell’s side will not increase their lead at the summit regardless of the margin of victory.

New Zealand and South Africa top?

There is also a scenario where New Zealand and South Africa will occupy the top two places. This would require Ireland to be beaten by more than 15 points and France to lose to the Scots.

Ireland and France could fall as low as fourth if results go against them.

Meanwhile, Gregor Townsend’s side cannot improve their current ranking of fifth due to the gap between them and South Africa, New Zealand and France. If the Scots defeat France by more than 15 points, Townsend’s charges will still be 0.31 points behind Les Bleus, who will have dropped to fourth.

Scotland moved into fifth place ahead of England when they defeated the Red Rose in their opening game of the tournament. However, Steve Borthwick’s side can reclaim a spot in the top five this weekend.

To achieve this, England would have to defeat Wales by more than 15 points and Scotland to lose in Paris.

Italy to reclaim a top 10 spot?

As for England’s opponents, Wales cannot improve above their current ranking of ninth. There is a 1.99 rating point difference between them and Argentina. A victory over 15 points for Warren Gatland’s side would see England drop to eighth, but Wales would still trail them by 1.08 points. In this case, England would equal their all-time ranking low.

A defeat of more than 15 points would see Wales drop to 10th place, depending on the result in Rome. If Italy lose to Ireland, then Japan would move into ninth place.

Wales could drop as low as eleventh if they lose to England by more than 15 points and Italy defeat Ireland by the same margin. In this case, Italy would move into ninth place; Japan would stay in tenth, and Wales would drop to eleventh.

A win of any kind would see Italy break into the top ten for the first time since June 2013. This despite dropping a place in the rankings during the Six Nations fallow week – Georgia gained a spot from their win over Spain.

Latest World Rugby rankings (as of 24/02/2023)

1. Ireland 91.33
2. France 89.38
3. New Zealand 88.98
4. South Africa 88.97
5. Scotland 83.36
6. England 82.27
7. Australia 81.80
8. Argentina 80.72
9. Wales 78.73
10. Japan 77.39
11. Samoa 76.03
12. Georgia 75.94
13. Italy 75.83
14. Fiji 74.84
15. Tonga 71.21
16. Portugal 66.94
17. Spain 66.42
18. Uruguay 66.24
19. USA 65.92
20. Romania 64.45

READ MORE: France v Scotland: Six Nations preview as Les Bleus look to get back to winning ways

The article World Rankings: How this weekend’s Six Nations action could impact the rankings appeared first on Planetrugby.com.