The Springboks head into this Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks fully aware that there can be no more excuses as they seek redemption in New Zealand.
Having slipped down to third in both the Rugby Championship standings as well as the World Rugby rankings, there will be plenty riding on this Saturday’s result of the rematch between the Springboks and All Blacks.
After the recent results, there is now 1.97 ranking points separating the first-placed All Blacks and third-placed Springboks, but that can all change quite quickly.
Even if Rassie Erasmus’ team can secure a narrow win over the All Blacks this Saturday, it would be enough to see the Springboks leapfrog their way back to the top of the world rankings.
If the Springboks fall to another defeat, they won’t drop further than their current place in the third spot in the rankings, but that would see fourth-placed France begin to edge closer to where South Africa stand.
All in all, a victory for South Africa could completely change the complexion of the standings in the Rugby Championship and world rankings.
Erasmus is fully aware of this as he revamped the Springbok backline, clearly looking to present a completely fresh threat to the All Blacks this weekend.
“We want to get some energetic guys onto the field who have never played here (in New Zealand) before,” Erasmus commented.
“If we win this game, we’re back in the Rugby Championship mix and we’re still alright in the world rankings.
“So it’s a bit of both. Some players, like some coaches, disappointed (last weekend). However, I don’t think it was through a lack of effort.”
HERE ARE THE LATEST RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AFTER THE SPRINGBOKS WERE DEFEATED IN ROUND THREE
UPDATED WORLD RANKINGS
| 1 | New Zealand | 91.35 (+0.63) |
| 2 | Ireland | 89.83 |
| 3 | South Africa (↓2) | 89.38 (-0.63) |
| 4 | France | 87.81 (-0.35) |
| 5 | England | 87.64 |
| 6 | Australia | 85.40 (+0.55) |
| 7 | Argentina | 82.84 (-0.55) |
| 8 | Scotland | 81.37 |
| 9 | Fiji | 80.50 |
| 10 | Italy | 77.77 |
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THESE LATEST RANKINGS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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