World rankings permutations: Six Nations and Rugby Europe action set to shake up the top 20

The opening weekend of the Six Nations and Rugby Europe Championship kicks off the 2024 international season, which means there could be some changes in the World Rugby rankings.

We take a look through the ranking permutations ahead of the opening weekend of the two tournaments.

Ireland could close the gap

Ireland have the opportunity to close the gap on top-ranked South Africa if they are able to overcome France in the Six Nations opener on Friday evening. If Andy Farrell’s charges claim a victory of more than 15 points in Marseille on Friday, they will close the gap from 3.97 points to 2.43 points.

However, if France emerge victorious, then Ireland will fall one place to third, with New Zealand moving into second place. France can only improve their fourth-place ranking if they win by more than 15 points. In this case, Ireland would fall from second place to fourth.

Even in the case of a heavy defeat, France cannot fall from fourth place as England can only increase their rating by 0.52 points by beating Italy in Rome.

Steve Borthwick’s charges could cut the deficit to France to 0.30 rating points with a win paired with a defeat in France.

Meanwhile, Scotland could move into fifth place ahead of England if they end their 22-year Cardiff drought, but that would need a shock result in Rome with Italy beating England.

Even a draw could be enough for Scotland to move up a spot if the Azzurri beat Borthwick’s side by a margin of more than 15 points.

Wales will move above Argentina into seventh place in victory but they will need a win by more than 15 points to move ahead of Scotland as well.

Italy and England have faced off on 30 occasions in their history but the Azzurri are still yet to defeat the Red Rose. However, if they claim a historic victory, they will climb above Fiji and Australia to ninth place. It would also be the first time Italy has been ranked in the top 10 since June 2013.

Rugby Europe Championship

Georgia and Portugal cannot improve their ranking rating this weekend as they face off against Germany and Belgium, who have much lower ratings.

However, defeats would see both sides drop at least two places regardless of the results elsewhere, while the opposite is true for Germany and Belgium, who could gain two places, at least.

Spain could replace Romania in 19th if they beat the Netherlands, depending on the margin of victory and the outcome of the former’s match away to Poland.

If the Netherlands defeated Spain, they would go up one ranking to 26, with Switzerland dropping down one place. Poland will climb one place to 32nd if they beat Romania.

READ MORE: France v Ireland: Five talking points ahead of Six Nations opener as opportunity knocks in Marseille

Current World Rugby Rankings

1 South Africa 94.54
2 Ireland 90.57
3 New Zealand 89.80
4 France 87.81
5 England 85.46
6 Scotland 83.43
7 Argentina 80.68
8 Wales 80.64
9 Australia 77.48
10 Fiji 76.38
11 Italy 75.93
12 Japan 74.27
13 Portugal 72.78
14 Georgia 72.68
15 Samoa 72.23
16 Tonga 71.57
17 USA 67.94
18 Uruguay 67.39
19 Romania 63.28
20 Spain 62.86