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As the Wallabies embark on their end-of-season tour, few would be aware just how much is riding on every result. The seedings for the next World Cup will be based on rankings at the end of November.
The Wallabies currently sit third on 85.69 points, behind New Zealand (92.04) and South Africa (87.75), but more importantly just ahead of Argentina (83.36) and England (83.16).
These kind of facts and figures may bore the socks off some people, but they could have a massive impact on our World Cup hopes in 2011.
If we stay in third spot and New Zealand maintain their No.1 ranking, we would face South Africa in a World Cup semi-final (provided results followed the form guide, of course).
If we drop to fourth, we would most likely have to face the All Blacks in the semi-finals; if we drop to fifth, make than a trans-Tasman confrontation in the quarter-finals - an even more unappealing prospect.
Of course, a lot can happen before the next World Cup. Following the 2003 tournament, England were entrenched in first position.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...145697918.html