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Wales could return to the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time in two years this weekend.
Steve Tandy’s side are currently ranked 11th in the world – having closed the gap on the top 10 following a win over ninth-ranked Fiji last weekend. Victory over Argentina in San Juan on Saturday would see them back in the top 10, providing Italy don’t beat New Zealand for their first time in their history.
Wales fell out of the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time in their history back in July 2024 under Warren Gatland, with the former coach presiding over a 14-Test losing run.
That would eventually stretch to 18 Test matches after Gatland departed, with Wales falling as low as 14th in the world.
Under Tandy, things have improved – with Wales winning one match in each of their past four campaigns.
A return to the top 10 is hopefully on the cards at some point, but that could be difficult to achieve this weekend against Argentina.
The last time the two sides met back in November, Argentina scored 52 points in Cardiff.
Wales aren’t the only side who could move into the top 10 this weekend.
Japan could make it back there for the first time since July 2023 if they beat Ireland in Australia, providing Italy and Wales lose.
Elsewhere, South Africa could surrender top spot – but it would take a first-ever home defeat to Scotland, with a margin of more than 15 points, and New Zealand beating Italy.
The All Blacks themselves could fall down to third, but that would require a loss to Italy and Ireland beating Japan.
France could overtake Ireland in third place. That would need them to beat Australia and Japan to beat the Irish, with one of those matches needing a winning margin of more than 15 points.
England could climb to fourth with victory over Fiji, providing Scotland lose and France lost by more than 15 points.
But were Fiji to win in Liverpool, they could climb up to seventh. That would take a big win over England and Australia losing.
Scotland could also climb to a new high – with third and fourth possible. However, Gregor Townsend’s side could also drop back to seventh if England and Argentina win – with Los Pumas needing to beat Wales by more than 15 points.
