Ireland v South Africa offers chance to measure tilt in rugby union’s axis | The Breakdown

Nov 09, 2017

The Test could to be a highlight of the autumn series, which, All Blacks apart, looks more auspicious for the north than south, with world rankings at play

With autumn comes a fall and a rise. For the first time since the world rankings were introduced in 2003, two European countries are in the top four at the midway point between World Cups.

England will remain there into the new year unless they manage to lose to Argentina and a Samoan side who have slipped from seventh in the rankings to 16th in four years but Ireland’s hold on fourth hinges on Saturday’s encounter with South Africa in Dublin.

Tags: Ireland rugby union team Rugby union South Africa rugby team Sport