The Sables will rise to 25th in the world if they wrap up the tournament with a victory away in East Africa. The International Rugby Board consists of 94 countries.
“That would mean a rise of 13 places in just seven weeks for a country who last played on the Rugby World Cup stage back in 1991, and a victory by more than 15 points would also see Kenya drop a place to 41st,” the IRB said from its headquarters in Ireland.
Zimbabwe are on course to their highest ranking even if they lose.
The Sables have already secured the title after Kenya’s loss to Uganda last weekend.
“Zimbabwe can continue their recent surge up the rankings with victory in Nairobi resulting in a potential gain of four places to a new high of 34th,” said the IRB.
If Kenya do manage to bounce back from their loss to Uganda and win before their home fans then they will climb two or three places, condemning Zimbabwe to a two place fall regardless of the margin of defeat.
Zimbabwe head to the match on the back of rapid rise in the IRB rankings.
Rugby, because of sound management, has over the years defied the odds that have seen most of other sports in the country nosedive.
The country is targeting a return to the IRB World Cup in 2015, buoyed by recent impressive performances.
Post published in: Rugby