The Springboks will climb from seventh to third in the World Rugby rankings if they beat England and Ireland beat the Wallabies.
The Boks stayed at No 7 despite beating England 42-39 at Ellis Park last Saturday, with Eddie Jones’ team dropping from No 3 to No 4.
However, South Africa would break back into the world’s top three if they took a 2-0 series lead by winning in Bloemfontein, and the Irish levelled their series with Australia in Melbourne.
However, if the Wallabies win to take a 2-0 series lead they will replace Ireland at No 2.
These permutations were confirmed by World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper on Twitter.
The @qantaswallabies can take second place off @IrishRugby in @WorldRugby Rankings if they claim a 2-0 series lead this weekend. Either @Springboks or @EnglandRugby could climb to 3rd with a win…if @IrishRugby win. #WorldRugbyRankings
— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) June 15, 2018
