20 Jun 2009

All Blacks could lose number one world ranking

1:11 pm on 20 June 2009

The All Blacks need to avoid a second successive defeat against France in Wellington on Saturday night to retain the number one position in the IRB World Rankings.

Should the All Blacks lose, they will drop below South Africa into second.

France would move ahead of Ireland into fifth.

South Africa's match against the British & Irish Lions in Durban on sunday morning does not count towards the IRB World Rankings.

An Australian win over Italy on Satuday will have no effect on either team's rankings.

Even if Italy pull off a big shock, they will still be 12th behind Samoa.

Australia could end up as low as fourth.