Ireland could return to world number one this weekend without even playing
Andy Farrell's side will return to the summit of the world rankings if a result at the weekend goes their way.
Ireland will return to the top of the World Rugby rankings if New Zealand beat South Africa this weekend in Cape Town.
South Africa currently sit top of the world rankings with 93.37 points with Ireland in second on 92.12 while New Zealand are in third on 88.45.
However, a win for New Zealand will dethrone South Africa and see Ireland lift up the rankings and back up to first place.
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Ireland have twice topped the world rankings, in September 2019 under Joe Schmidt and then from July 2022 to October 2023 under Andy Farrell.
The gap between Ireland and South Africa closed after a remarkable away win against the Springboks earlier in the summer and a bump up back to the top would be a welcome boost to Andy Farrell's side.
However, these rankings could change dramatically come the year's end with a number of big Autumn Internationals taking place.
Ireland face a mammoth November when they face New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, and Australia on consecutive weeks.
South Africa still have to play out their Rugby Championship fixtures against New Zealand and two games against Argentina before playing Scotland, England, and Wales in November.
The Springboks have been the top ranked side in rugby since their World Cup win last year.
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