Another loss to Argentina tomorrow would not only ruin the All Blacks’ undefeated record at Eden Park which stretches back 30 years, it would also send them dropping down the world rankings.
World Rugby’s rankings report this morning stated that a narrow win by Argentina would allow France to leapfrog Scott Robertson’s team into third.
A Pumas’ victory by a margin of more than 15 points would send them into fourth place ahead of the All Blacks.
Due to the ranking points available, the All Blacks cannot improve on their No.3 ranking even if they beat the Pumas by more than 15 points.
Argentina last occupied fourth place during the 2015 World Cup. Fifth place would equal New Zealand’s lowest-ever ranking – a position they occupied on two separate occasions in August, 2022 (after they lost a home series to Ireland for the first time).
Argentina’s 38-30 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington last weekend shot the Pumas seven places up the rankings to sixth.
New Zealand's collapse, after they led at halftime, has forced Robertson, his management, and the players into a period of self reflection. The selectors have made four changes to last weekend's starting line-up including two new wings in Will Jordan and Caleb Clarke, a change at centre with the return of Rieko Ioane and the recall of former skipper Sam Cane to the bench.
South Africa are the current No.1 team in the world ahead of Ireland but the world champion Boks would lose that ranking to the Irish should they fall to the Wallabies in Perth tomorrow night. The Boks beat the Wallabies 33-7 in last weekend’s Test in Brisbane but have gone with a more experimental-looking selection this week.
Australia are ranked ninth in the world behind Scotland and Italy. England are fifth.
Andrea Piardi will become the first Italian to referee a Rugby Championship Test when he takes charge of the All Blacks v Argentina clash.
France were the last team to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park – in 1994. Since then the home side have been unbeaten in 49 Tests. Two Tests have been draws – to South Africa in 1994 (immediately after the France loss), and the British and Irish Lions in 2017, which tied the series.
The Wallabies have lost 20 times at Eden Park since 1994. They last won there in 1986.
Men’s rugby world rankings:
1. South Africa 93.11
2. Ireland 92.12
3. New Zealand 88.37
4. France 86.96
5. England 85.40
6. Argentina 83.64
7. Scotland 82.82
8. Italy 78.98
9. Australia 78.96
10. Fiji 77.44
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