Six Nations kick-off times as Ireland cut rankings gap on Springboks

The Springboks' lead at the top of the world rugby rankings is looking under threat as Ireland target another Six Nations title.

Feb 17, 2025 - 03:00

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Six Nations kick-off times as Ireland cut rankings gap on Springboks

As the Springbok side enjoys an ‘off season’ until the Incoming Series starts in July, there is plenty of attention being focused on the exploits in the Six Nations as Ireland look well-placed for a Grand Slam triumph.

Ireland have started the tournament with two bonus-point victories, and that will almost certainly be extended to three from three as they face embattled Wales this weekend.

Ireland face Wales in the first match in round three of the Six Nations this Saturday, with kick off at 16:15 (SA time), but they won’t be able to bank any rankings points based on the fact Wales are as low as 12th on the rankings table.

However, the last time Ireland were in action, they were able to improve their rankings tally from 90.78 to 91.65 after picking up a good win over Scotland to move to within just 1.13 rating points behind the Springboks.

England are sixth on the current rankings and next face Scotland on Saturday (kick off at 18:45), while fourth-ranked France play away to Italy on Sunday (17:00 kick off).

CURRENT WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS AS IRELAND CLOSE IN ON SPRINGBOKS:

RANK	COUNTRY	POINTS
1	South Africa	92.78
2	Ireland	91.65
3	New Zealand	90.36
4	France	87.19
5	Argentina	84.97
6	England	83.63
7	Scotland	83.57
8	Australia	81.52
9	Fiji	80.07
10	Italy	78.67
11	Georgia	73.85
12	Wales	73.75
13	Japan	72.95
14	Samoa	72.68
15	USA	70.02
16	Portugal	68.82
17	Uruguay	67.06
18	Spain	65.98
19	Tonga	65.46
20	Romania	63.01

SIX NATIONS 2025 FIXTURES

ROUND 3

Saturday, 22 February

Wales vs Ireland

England vs Scotland

Sunday, 23 February

Italy vs France

ROUND 4

Saturday, 8 March

Ireland vs France

Scotland vs Wales

Sunday, 9 March

England vs Italy

ROUND 5

Saturday, 15 March

Italy vs Ireland

Wales vs England

France vs Scotland

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE TOURNAMENT THIS YEAR?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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