This weekend’s Autumn internationals have more than just pride at stake.  Argentina, England, France and Wales are all hoping to surge into the vital fourth spot in the IRB World Rankings ahead of the draw for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The team that occupies fourth place at the end of November will avoid being drawn into a pool with one of the SANZAR superpowers for the group matches in 2011.  New Zealand, South Africa and Australia will finish in the top three with the other four countries hoping to move into fourth - the position which Argentina currently occupy - by the end of the weekend.

Argentina face a tough assignment in Dublin when they take on Ireland.  A slip-up on their behalf could open the door for the other three sides to leapfrog them into fourth.

Wales need something just short of a miracle if they are to finish in fourth place.  They need to beat New Zealand for the first time in 55 years and still hope that the other three teams all lose out this weekend.

Similarly, France need to beat Australia by more than fifteen points and hope that the other three sides all lose.

England are currently in fifth spot and could move into fourth should they beat South Africa at Twickenham.

Australia have an opportunity to move about South Africa if the Boks lose and they can overcome France in Paris. Ireland will also be desperate to beat the Pumas to avoid a repeat of the 2007 World Cup where they found themselves in the Group of Death.