Rugby World Cup 2027 is now under two years away, with the tournament's draw set to take place in Sydney early next month.
The top five seeds -- currently South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, England, and France -- are all but set in stone, with only some truly unexpected results capable of creating major change.
But beneath that, sixth spot is up for grabs.
As it stands, just 3.15 points separates Argentina [6th], Australia [7th], Scotland [8th] and Fiji [9th].
While tournament hosts Australia will be placed into Pool A no matter where they finish on the rankings, the Wallabies will be desperate to finish out the year as high as possible. But a top six seeding for Argentina and Scotland could be particularly important, and see them potentially earn a theoretically easier Round of 16 game based on the quirks of the new expanded draw, which we have explained here.
So what is the lay of the land ahead of week 3 of the Autumn Nations Series?
ARGENTINA, 6th [84.30]
Vs. Scotland, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
If Argentina beat Scotland by more than 15 points this weekend, the Pumas would gain 1.49 rankings points and improve to 85.79. If the margin is 15 points or fewer, Argentina would improve only by a further 0.99 points to 85.30.
With a win, the Pumas will stay ahead of Australia in sixth regardless of what happens in Dublin this weekend.
If Argentina were to lose, however, they would leave open the opportunity for the Wallabies to sneak past them into sixth. A loss to Scotland by 15 or fewer would see the Pumas drop 1.01 points to 83.30. While unlikely given the Pumas' strong recent form, a defeat of more than 15 would result in Argentina slipping 1.51 points, which would put them at risk of dropping to eighth place on the World Rugby rankings.
Best possible ranking after W2: Fifth [win over Scotland; Fiji defeat France]
Worst possible ranking after W2: Eighth [Loss to Scotland 16+; wins for Australia and Fiji]
AUSTRALIA, 7TH [81.69]
vs. Ireland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
The Wallabies' loss to Italy last weekend cost Australia 1.21 rankings points, but Scotland's defeat by the All Blacks and England's win over Fiji meant Joe Schmidt's side remained in seventh.
Now, the Wallabies face much sterner opposition in Ireland, who are short-priced favourites to maintain their recent dominance over Australia in Dublin. From a rankings perspective, however, Australia are only at risk of significant drop if Fiji and Italy upset France and South Africa, the Azzurri with a margin of 16+.
A win for the Wallabies would meanwhile be a huge result, with Australia set to gain two full points for a victory margin of 15 or fewer. Any triumph greater than that would see Australia climb to 84.69 and right back within striking distance of Argentina, even if the Pumas are successful in Edinburgh.
Best possible finish after W3: Fifth [Win vs. Ireland 16+; loss for Argentina vs. Scotland; Win for Fiji over France 16+]
Worst possible ranking after W3: 10th [Scotland defeat Argentina; Fiji win over France 16+ and Italy defeat South Africa 16+]
SCOTLAND, 8TH [81.21]
vs. Argentina, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Scotland are likely still kicking themselves after letting yet another opportunity to defeat the All Blacks pass them by. The Scots clawed their way back to 17-all on the hour mark, before succumbing 25-17 on account of some Damian McKenzie brilliance.
Gregor Townsend's side will however fancy their chances of beating Argentina, whom they have defeated in their last four Tests at Murrayfield back to 2009. A win by 15 or fewer points would see Scotland climb 1.01 points, with a margin of 16 points or greater earning them 2.01 points.
Unfortunately for the Scots, they cannot climb higher than seventh this autumn, given Argentina's final Test of 2025 is against England, with whom there is too great a rankings spread for the Pumas to suffer a drop, even with a heavy defeat.
Scotland really bottled their opportunity last week, in more ways than one.
Best possible finish after W2: Seventh [win over Argentina; Australia lose to Ireland; Fiji lose to France]
Worst possible position after W2: 10th [defeat by Argentina; Fiji win over France; Italy beat South Africa]
FIJI, 9TH [81.15]
vs. France, Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole, Bordeaux
Fiji gave England a red-hot go for 60 minutes last week, before their hosts' superior depth saw them pull away inside the final quarter. Still, the Fijians were anything but disgraced in London.
They face another mighty challenge this weekend, against France in Bordeaux, where 2.82 points are on offer. While a victory margin of 16 points or more is highly unlikely, a narrow win is not beyond the Fijians, with such a result worth 1.81 points, which would be good enough for seventh spot.
That would be as far as they are able to climb, however, given this is the Fijians' final clash of 2025.
Best possible ranking after W2: Sixth [Defeat France by 16 or more; losses for Argentina and Australia]
Worst possible ranking after W2: 10th [Loss to France; Italy beat South Africa]