Win would return ABs to top of Zurich Rankings

For the second time in seven months the two top-ranked teams in the Zurich World Rankings clash as England travel to Wellington to take on rivals New Zealand in a clash that, as in November 2002, sees the No.1 spot in world rugby again up for grabs.

Such is the proximity of these two teams in the rankings that there is little to separate them and, despite being second placed, New Zealand have again been backed for victory with the home advantage seemingly tipping the scales in their favour.

The computer predicts New Zealand to come through with a four-point win although any sort of win over England will be enough to return the All Blacks to the No.1 position they held for over a year between 2001 and 2002 and have pretty much dominated since 1999.

In the other games, despite their struggle last week, South Africa are expected to come through comfortably in their second Test against Scotland and they will need to to avoid slipping further behind the fourth placed France when the next rankings are released at the end of the month.

France themselves are backed to come through their tough encounter in Buenos Aires whilst Eddie Jones' Australia team should have an easy time against Wales and are expected to record their ninth straight win over the men in red with a 39 point win.

Across the Pacific in Tonga, Ireland are predicted to come away with a big win over the Islanders who are ranked 14th in the world.

Predictions for June 14/15:

New Zealand (2) v England (1)
New Zealand by four points

South Africa (5) v Scotland (7)
South Africa by 19 points

Australia (3) v Wales (9)
Australia by 39 points

Argentina (8) v France (5)
France by 23 points

Tonga (14) v Ireland (6)
Ireland by 28 points

Last week ...

Australia (3) v Ireland (6)
Prediction: Aus by 23 / Actual: Aus by 29 points

South Africa (5) v Scotland (7)
Prediction: SA by 27 / Actual: SA by four points