Springboks Risk Top World Ranking Spot as All Blacks Close In

JOHANNESBURG — Current rankings

South Africa’s Springboks could lose their world number one rugby ranking to New Zealand if recent form continues into the Rugby Championship.

The Springboks currently lead World Rugby’s standings with 92.78 points, barely ahead of the All Blacks at 92.06.

Coach Rassie Erasmus’s team cannot increase their points when they host sixth-ranked Australia at Ellis Park. The gap between the teams is too large for any win to boost South Africa’s rating.

This gives New Zealand a prime opportunity to gain ground in Argentina. The Pumas lost both July Tests against an England side missing British & Irish Lions players.

A narrow All Blacks win (1-15 points) would add 0.30 points, pushing them to 92.36. A bigger victory (16+ points) would bring 0.45 points, lifting them to 92.51.

Should New Zealand win while South Africa loses to Australia, the All Blacks would reclaim the top ranking immediately.

The Rugby Championship outcomes could reshape the rankings before the August 17 rematch between the rivals.