A Springbok Women's victory over New Zealand this weekend would lift them to a record-high seventh in the world rankings — or sixth if they win by more than 15 points. South Africa currently sit 10th, and the three-place jump would be the highest the team has ever ranked.
The Black Ferns, meanwhile, cannot improve their rating with a win due to the 19.14-point differential between the sides. A loss to South Africa would drop them to third, with Canada moving up to second.
Elsewhere, Fiji's match against Japan in Fukuoka carries significant ranking consequences. A Fiji win sends them to a new high of 12th and pushes Wales to a record-low 13th. Japan cannot improve their rating regardless of the result, as the maximum 0.62 points they could gain is insufficient to overhaul South Africa in 10th. Should Fiji lose by more than 15 points, they drop to 14th, swapping positions with Spain.