Ireland could become the number one ranked team in the world this weekend with a win over South Africa in the test series opener in Pretoria.
The world champions currently hold the number one ranking on World Rugby's table, however, a win by 16 points or more could flip the standing on their head, seeing Ireland return to the top of the rankings for the first time since October of last year. The win would see a swing of over five ranking points.
Ireland had held the World Rugby top ranking for months and months in 2022 and 2023, only to surrender it to the Springboks after the 2023 World Cup.
The bookmakers have the Springboks as seven point favourites so Ireland will truly need to reverse the conventional wisdom to be number one in the world again.
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Ireland's Record vs South Africa in recent years
Ireland have gone unbeaten v the Springboks since 2016 although they have never won a series in South Africa.
Ireland's only win on South African soil was in June 2016 when tries from Jared Payne and Conor Murray helped by the boot of Paddy Jackson saw them claim a historic 26-20 win, despite a CJ Stander red card.
Ireland were 13-8 winners when the sides met last during the 2023 Rugby World Cup group stages. Although the side set to face them this week has changed significantly. With the likes of Mack Hansen, Gibson-Park out due to injury, Hugo Keenan away with the Irish 7s and Johnny Sexton retired, Andy Farrell has had to call on the younger players to step up to the plate.
With Casey and Crowley making up the half back pairing and Jamie Osborne earning his debut out of position at full-back, it will be interesting what tactics Farrell has in store for us on Saturday as Ireland go in search of their first ever series win in South Africa.
Kick off is at 4pm in the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
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