Football. France, Ireland and New Zealand, which is the first country in the world before the World Cup?

On the eve of the third preparatory match for France’s fifteenth match against Fiji in Nantes, and the risk of moving heavily according to the results of the weekend when Ireland and England meet. Without playing, the All Blacks could win!

Let’s first talk about what directly interests us, the France team, if it is to falter against Fiji. A frightening result that could drag it to fourth place. Fiji, brave and resolute, will they play spoiler sports? However, the success of the tricolor would not improve the Blues’ standings.

This Saturday, the confrontation between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium could have serious repercussions. If the odds turn in favor of English, Ireland will have to say goodbye to its first place in the world rankings, ceding the mace to New Zealand. New Zealanders who will not play again before August 25 against the Springboks.

South Africa can finish third if they beat Wales in Cardiff. A game of musical chairs that could be played regardless of the outcome of the Blues against Fiji. And as a reminder, the islanders have never tasted the delights of a place higher than the eighth rank.

Should a crushing victory over France combine with a similar feat for Ireland against England, a sixth-place finish awaits them, challenging them to dream bigger dreams than ever at the World Cup. In the dying hen of Australia and the Welsh in search of confidence, the Fijians can create surprise.

Let’s also keep an eye on England, who will therefore have to beat Ireland by a margin of more than 15 points to finish fifth and thus swap places with Scotland. As for the Welsh, They can go from the tenth to the seventh If they ousted South Africa by a large margin, and if Fiji failed to defeat France.

If for some it is believed that this classification is of little importance, for others it is a reflection of what the teams look like. As a reminder, Ireland has not left first place since last summer, giving up first place for just a short week to Team France. Falling down the rankings also means giving up a little pressure in favor of the competition. In the case of France’s XV, it wouldn’t be bad.