women
international women
The Red Roses’ six-year run at the top of the World Rugby rankings could end this weekend if the team lose to USA Women’s Eagles at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
A loss of 15 points or more, combined with the Black Ferns’ third win against France, could see John Mitchell’s side drop to third in the table behind Canada and black ferns. A decade has passed since then England were third in the world rugby rankings.
England cannot improve their rating with a win due to their current points advantage over the Eagles.
The USA could equal their all-time record fifth place in the World Rugby rankings if they beat England for the first time since the women’s competition Rugby World Cup 1991 final.
A win will put Jack Hanratty’s side ahead Ireland regardless of their score against South Africa in Cape Town.
New Zealand can drop to third in the World Rugby rankings with a loss to France in Christchurch. Canada would move back to second place in the rankings. France will remain fourth regardless of the result.
Currently in fifth place, Ireland could drop to seventh if they fail to beat South Africa. They will fall behind the Eagles and Australia, who have concluded their own WXV Global Series campaign with three wins over Scotland.
South Africa can move up to eighth if they beat Ireland for the first time. With a victory at the Athlone stadium, the team, led by coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September, will overtake Italy.
Japan can advance as far as 11th with a win against Wales on Saturday. A win of 15 points or more will see Japan move up two places in the world rankings, while a win of any kind will see Sakura Fifteen take 12th place from Fiji.
A win for Wales will not see Sean Lynn’s side move up the world rugby rankings.
