Springboks Target World No 1 Ranking Return Against All Blacks
South Africa can reclaim the top spot in the World Rugby rankings when they meet New Zealand in the second Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The Springboks will have an immediate opportunity to regain the No 1 position after New Zealand replaced them at the summit following a 33-16 victory in the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at Ellis Park last weekend.
South Africa entered the series as the world’s top-ranked side, but the defeat allowed the All Blacks to move ahead. A victory in Cape Town would put the world champions back on top.
According to the ranking calculations provided in the supplied material, a South African win by between one and 15 points would earn the Springboks 1.18 ranking points, taking their total from 92.21 to 93.39. New Zealand would lose the same number of points and fall from 94.03 to 92.85.
A victory by 16 points or more would give South Africa a bigger increase of 1.77 points.
All Blacks Can Extend Lead
New Zealand can consolidate its position at the top with another victory over South Africa.
A win by between one and 15 points would give the All Blacks 0.82 additional ranking points, taking them to 94.85. South Africa would lose 0.82 points and drop to 91.39.
Should New Zealand win by 16 points or more, it would gain 1.23 points and rise to 95.26. South Africa would surrender the same number of points, leaving the Springboks on 90.98.
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The second Test therefore carries significant ranking implications for both sides, with South Africa needing a victory to immediately challenge New Zealand's newly acquired position at the top.
Latest World Rugby Rankings
The rankings supplied ahead of the second Test are:
- New Zealand — 94.03
- South Africa — 92.21
- Ireland — 88.08
- France — 87.43
- England — 85.68
- Scotland — 84.78
- Argentina — 83.13
- Australia — 82.67
- Fiji — 78.00
- Wales — 76.38
The second Test will be played at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, with the Springboks seeking to overturn the result from Ellis Park and reclaim the world No 1 ranking.
