Boks cap rankings rise
The Springboks have entrenched their position as the world’s number-one team, after starting the year ranked behind Ireland, France and New Zealand.
The Springboks have entrenched their position as the world’s number-one team, after starting the year ranked behind Ireland, France and New Zealand.
The Springboks were one point away from replacing Ireland as the top-ranked team in World Rugby’s latest Test rankings.
The Springboks will go into the World Cup as the second-ranked team as World Rugby’s rankings received a major shake-up after the final round of warm-ups.
The Springboks could go into the World Cup as the world’s number-one side with a good win against the All Blacks in their final warm-up at Twickenham.
The Springboks will have the opportunity to reclaim their status as the top-ranked Test team when they take on Ireland in Dublin on an action-packed Saturday.
World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for round four of the Rugby Championship, which could see the Springboks drop down if they suffer a heavy defeat.
The Springboks have the All Blacks hot on their heels in World Rugby’s Test rankings after New Zealand climbed one spot by beating the world champions on Saturday.
The Springboks can climb back to second place on World Rugby’s Test rankings with a victory over the All Blacks in the second round of the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Ireland are the No 1-ranked side on the planet but a fired-up Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the 2022 Rugby Championship will reveal the “best team in the world” this season.
Ireland can overtake France at the top of the World Rugby Rankings while a loss for the Springboks could relegate the world champions to fifth place.