South Africa face Australia in the latest Tri Nations match, in Perth on Saturday, knowing that a loss would see them replaced at the top of the IRB World Rankings on Monday by New Zealand.
The Springboks, undefeated in this year’s tournament after three home wins, will extend their lead over New Zealand in the rankings by 0.69 ratings points if they win.
Australia will remain in third whether they win, lose or draw.
Australia defeated the Springboks 16-9 the last time the teams met in Perth, in July 2008. The last time South Africa defeated Australia on Australian soil was also in Pert, in August 2005.
Elgon Cup decider
Kenya hold a slender eight-point advantage over Uganda ahead of the second leg of their annual Elgon Cup tie on Saturday in Kampala, having defeated their opponents 30-22 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa Grounds in Nairobi on 15 August.
That win moved Kenya up to 39th in the IRB World Rankings, two ahead of Uganda.
If Uganda prevail on Saturday, they will move up to 41st in the rankings, whilst Kenya will drop to 42nd.
If Kenya can record their first win on Ugandan soil since June 2005, they will claim the Elgon Cup and move up to 35th in the rankings, 10 places above Uganda, who will drop to 45th.
The IRB World Rankings are published at midday UK time every Monday on www.irb.com.
