There is a scenario where the Springboks could lose the No 1 spot in the world rankings to Ireland this weekend. Here are the permutations.

As the Springboks get set for a mammoth battle against Ireland this Saturday, the South Africans are 3.85 ranking points ahead of their northern hemisphere rivals at the summit of the standings.

World Rugby has now published the ranking permutations for the July internationals this weekend, and it is noteworthy that Ireland can leapfrog into top spot if they beat the Springboks by more than 15 points.

Check out all the information below ahead of a busy weekend of Test rugby.

• Ireland will return to the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings if they beat current incumbent South Africa by more than 15 points in Pretoria.
• They surrendered top spot to South Africa following their defeat by New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-finals last October.
• A smaller margin of victory would see Ireland close to within 0.49 rating points of South Africa ahead of their second test next weekend.