England risk slipping to third in World Rugby rankings for first time in a decade

England’s six-year stay at the top of the World Rugby women’s rankings could come to a dramatic end this weekend if John Mitchell’s side lose to the USA Women’s Eagles by 15 points or more at Sports Illustrated Stadium — a result that would push them to third place for the first time in a decade.

The scenario requires a third Black Ferns victory, this time against France in Christchurch, to fully materialise. Should both results go against England, Canada would move up to second and New Zealand would leapfrog the Red Roses into first, leaving England behind two southern-hemisphere rivals. Even a narrow defeat would not cost England their top ranking, but the margin of any loss matters enormously given the current points gap between the sides.

For the USA, the stakes are equally significant. A win over England would equal their all-time high of fifth in the World Rugby rankings — and it would be their first victory over the Red Roses since the Women’s Rugby World Cup 1991 final. Jack Hanratty’s Eagles would also move ahead of Ireland regardless of Ireland’s result against South Africa in Cape Town.

Ireland, currently fifth, face a potential slide to seventh if they fail to beat South Africa at Athlone Stadium. A South African win would be historic — their first over Ireland — and would lift the team, co-coached by Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September, above Italy into eighth place.

Further down the standings, Japan can climb as high as 11th with a win over Wales on Saturday. A victory by 15 points or more would move the Sakura Fifteen up two places, while any winning margin would be enough to displace Fiji in 12th. A Wales win, however, would not alter Sean Lynn’s side’s ranking position.

France are guaranteed to finish fourth regardless of their result against New Zealand, while New Zealand themselves could drop to third if they lose in Christchurch — a result that would hand Canada second place.