The number one spot will once again be on the line when the Springboks take on the All Blacks in two weeks’ time.
New Zealand head to South Africa to face Rassie Erasmus’ men in a couple of crucial matches. It will likely decide the destination of the Rugby Championship title, but also have an impact at the top of the World Rugby rankings.
The All Blacks slipped further behind the top two, the Boks and Ireland, following their shock defeat to Argentina, but they got back on track with a 42-10 triumph at Eden Park.
What Scott Robertson’s side earned
That earned them 0.34 points which lifted them to 88.71 and 4.40 behind the Springboks, who continue to occupy top spot.
South Africa once again did not take anything from their dominant 30-12 triumph over the Wallabies, with Joe Schmidt’s men too far behind them in the rankings.
As a result, Erasmus’ side stay on 93.11, 0.99 ahead of Ireland, who will move to the summit if the Springboks succumb at home to New Zealand in Johannesburg.
The All Blacks will not be able to go top with a win at Ellis Park, but a success there, combined with a triumph the following week in Cape Town, could well be enough to usurp both South Africa and Ireland, and return to number one.
However, they may need to secure two big victories – more than 15 points – if they are to reach the summit by the end of their South Africa tour.
If not then it could well be Ireland who are leading the way heading into the latter stages of the Rugby Championship.
Andy Farrell’s outfit went into their second Test with the Boks 4.49 points behind, but their 25-24 victory moved them closer and they stand to benefit should South Africa slip up.
World Rugby rankings week beginning 19/08/2024
1(1) South Africa 93.11
2(2) Ireland 92.12
3(3) New Zealand 88.71
4(4) France 86.96
5(5) England 85.40
6(6) Argentina 83.30
7(7) Scotland 82.82
8(8) Italy 79.98
9(9) Australia 78.96
10(10) Fiji 77.44
READ MORE: Who’s hot and who’s not: All Blacks silence critics and Springboks flex their depth
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