The second round of the World Rugby Nations Championship 2026 and World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 promises major movement in the men’s world rankings, with several teams in contention for significant gains depending on this weekend’s results.

South Africa’s grip on the No.1 ranking is under threat.

The Springboks will relinquish top spot if they lose to Scotland by more than 15 points and New Zealand defeat Italy.

New Zealand also have plenty at stake, as a shock first-ever defeat to Italy would see the All Blacks slip to third should Ireland overcome Japan in Australia.

France remain in contention for third place.

A victory over Australia, combined with an Irish defeat to Japan, would be enough to move Les Bleus ahead if either result is by more than a 15-point margin.

Japan have the opportunity to return to the world’s top 10 for the first time since July 2023 by defeating Ireland, provided Italy lose to New Zealand and Wales fail to beat Argentina.

England could climb as high as fourth with a win over Fiji if Scotland are beaten and France lose to Australia by more than 15 points. Fiji, meanwhile, could rise to seventh with a convincing victory and an Australian defeat, although they cannot overtake England this weekend.

Scotland could surrender the two places gained after last week’s victory over Argentina if they lose while England and Los Pumas both win, with Argentina needing a margin greater than 15 points.

However, victory over South Africa could lift Scotland to a record-high ranking of either third or fourth.

Wales can return to the top 10 for the first time since July 2024 by defeating Argentina, provided Italy are unable to upset New Zealand.

Elsewhere, Georgia are guaranteed to remain 13th regardless of the outcome against Samoa. Uruguay, Portugal and Chile can only make small gains with wins over Romania, Canada and Hong Kong China respectively.

Romania risk becoming the tournament’s lowest-ranked nation if they lose and Hong Kong China, Canada and Zimbabwe all record upset victories.

Samoa, Spain and Tonga could each climb as high as 14th, depending on results and winning margins across the weekend.

Hong Kong China have the chance to equal their highest-ever ranking of 21st by beating Chile, a team they will meet again at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

The United States will not improve their ranking with victory over Zimbabwe in the nations’ first-ever meeting.

However, defeat could see the Eagles fall by as many as five places, while Zimbabwe could reach a new ranking high if other results also go their way.

The weekend also features several officiating milestones. France’s Luc Ramos will referee New Zealand for the first time when the All Blacks host Italy in Wellington.

England’s Karl Dickson will oversee Australia against France for the first time in what will be his 30th test as referee, marking his first appointment involving France outside the Men’s Six Nations.

Scotland’s Hollie Davidson is set to make history by becoming the first Scottish official to referee 50 test matches when England face Fiji in Liverpool. She will also become only the third woman and the 19th referee overall to reach the milestone.

Other notable appointments include France’s Pierre Brousset taking charge of South Africa for the first time against Scotland, New Zealand’s Paul Williams officiating Argentina versus Wales for the first time, and Argentina’s Tomás Ninci making his test refereeing debut in Chile’s clash with Hong Kong China.