The Springboks can rise into World Rugby’s top three ranked nations with a big win over Argentina and if other results go their way.

World Rugby on Friday published the ranking permutations for the latest round of World Cup warm-up matches.

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Saturday will see most of the Tier One nations in actions, with the Springboks in Buenos Aires to face Argentina, while Ireland take on Italy in Dublin and New Zealand host Australia.

With Ireland and New Zealand – the top two sides in the world – unable to pick up any points in their respective games against Italy and Australia (due to the points difference between teams before home weighting is factored in), there is an opportunity for France and the Springboks to make some headway in the rankings this weekend.

Les Bleus lost second place to the All Blacks last weekend but will reclaim it if they manage any form of win over Scotland at Murrayfield. France could even climb to first if they win and Ireland don’t manage to do any better than draw with Italy in Dublin.

South Africa could join France in the top two, but would need an unexpected set of results for that to happen.

In addition to a France victory, South Africa would need to beat Argentina by more than 15 points at the Vélez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires and hope that Ireland and New Zealand lose at home by the same margin.

The Springboks can, however, replace World Cup hosts France in third if they win and Les Bleus lose – as long as the margin in one of the games is more than 15 points.

Photo: Springboks/Twitter