The Springboks are heading ever closer to their season-opener against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday 28 June, and they do so with a comfortable lead at the top of the World Rugby rankings.
Despite the fact that the Springboks were out of action while the Six Nations took place earlier this year, their lead at the summit of the rankings never came under any real threat after Ireland underperformed in the southern hemisphere competition.
As the Springboks now prepare for a jam-packed season, the world champions boast a healthy rankings gap of 2.42 points ahead of second-placed New Zealand, while they are 2.95 points clear of Ireland in third.
In fourth place, France are now 3.27 points behind the Springboks, but there is then a significant gap from fifth-placed Argentina onwards. You can find the full rankings here.
Rankings more important than ever for Springboks and competitors
It can’t be forgotten that the Springboks’ world ranking position will be more important than ever in the context of the changes to the 2027 World Cup format.
Scheduled for December 2025, the draw will be based on the World Rugby Men’s Rankings at the end of the November international window. This approach aims to ensure a more accurate and up-to-date seeding process and adds significant weight to every international Test match played in the remainder of the calendar year.
Scheduled for December 2025, the draw will be based on the World Rugby Men’s Rankings at the end of the November international window. This approach ensures a more accurate and up-to-date seeding process and adds significant weight to every international test match played in the remainder of the calendar year.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “As we head towards the most inclusive and globally representative tournament ever, with 24 teams competing in an expanded format and at least one nation from each of our regional associations, this final step on the ‘Journey to Australia 2027’ will be a celebration of ambition, resilience and the global spirit of rugby.
“We cannot wait to see which team earns the final place and joins us for what promises to be a unique celebration of rugby and Australia in 2027.”
Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the first edition to feature an expanded format with 24 teams, a new round of 16 and increasing the number of matches to 52.
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