Boks' world ranking on the line
Number one: John Smit and the Springboks have more than just pride to play for
World champions South Africa will not only be wanting to get Peter de Villiers reign as coach off to a winning start against Grand Slam winners Wales in Bloemfontein on Saturday, but also to retain their position as the number one side in the IRB World Rankings.
South Africa's victory over England in the RWC 2007 final took them to the top last October and they sit 1.22 rating points above New Zealand ahead of the first summer Tests of 2008, although defeat to a Welsh side ranked five places below them could see that tenure come to an end.
The Springboks have won their last seven encounters with Wales, but were the visitors to record their first win on South African soil then the world champions could see their 90.81 rating points fall by as many as three points depending on the result.
However even in defeat South Africa - who will be led by John Smit for a record 50th time - could still retain their top spot if New Zealand suffer a first ever Test defeat by Ireland in their encounter at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
Another victory for the All Blacks against Ireland would not result in any change to rating points for either side with New Zealand ranked six places and 12.41 points above their visitors, although were the Irish to spring a surprise in Wellington then their could be several changes in the top eight nations.
Ireland could potentially climb two places to sixth depending on the margin of victory and the outcome in Bloemfontein with Wales and France the sides in danger of slipping places. In defeat New Zealand may also swap places with Argentina, who entertain Scotland in Rosario, to give the Pumas their highest ever position.
A repeat of Argentina's victory over Scotland in the RWC 2007 quarter-finals would not impact on either side's rating points given the seven places and 12.50 rating points which separate the sides before the first of back to back Tests on South American soil.
By contrast a first win in Argentina - and only second overall - since 1969 could see Scotland swap places with Fiji and also potentially climb above Ireland, depending on the margin of victory and other results across the southern hemisphere.
With thanks to the IRB