The upcoming round of international women’s rugby on 4–5 September promises to shake up the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, with several nations standing on the brink of historic milestones.
World Rugby has released the official ranking permutations ahead of the highly anticipated clashes in Japan and South Africa. While the powerhouse nations risk sliding down the ladder, the chasing pack has everything to play for.
In South Africa, the Springbok Women have a golden opportunity to rewrite the history books when they host New Zealand. A victory for the hosts will catapult South Africa three places up to a record high of seventh.
If the home side manages an upset by a margin of more than 15 points, they will climb even further into sixth place.
For New Zealand, the stakes are incredibly high. Because of a massive 19.14-point rating differential between the two sides, the Black Ferns cannot gain any ranking points with a victory.
However, a shock maiden defeat to South Africa would be disastrous for the visitors. A loss will see the Black Ferns drop to third in the world, allowing Canada to leapfrog them into second place.
Meanwhile, in Fukuoka, Fiji is also targeting a historic climb. A victory over Japan will propel Fijiana to a new peak of 12th in the world rankings.
Such a result would also have consequences for Europe, instantly condemning Wales to their lowest-ever global position of 13th.
Japan enters the match knowing that a victory will not be enough to disturb the top ten. Even with a win, the Sakura Fifteen can only gain a maximum of 0.62 points, leaving them just short of South Africa's current tally in 10th.
Fiji must also guard against a heavy defeat. If they lose to Japan by more than 15 points, they will drop one place to 14th, swapping positions with Spain.
