The Springboks are set to have their lead at the top cut over the next few weeks.
The 2025 rugby test season is officially back in action and it comes with huge implications for the Springboks, All Blacks, Ireland and France.
The Springboks kick off their season with an entertaining historic home fixture against the Barbarians. Thereafter, they face Georgia before playing two tests against Italy. Meanwhile, the All Blacks and France are set for a three-match test series against France. Whilst, the British & Irish Lions are on tour to Australia. So, this has big implications for the top four. Let’s break it down.
SPRINGBOKS LEAD TO BE CUT, INEVITABLY
The Springboks cannot add any ranking points to their total due to the nature of their opponents.
Firstly, the Barbarians are not regarded as a test nation. So, no ranking points are up for grabs for the world champions in their opening test match.
Meanwhile, both Georgia (11th) and Italy (10th) are to far below the Boks for points to be awarded to them. Meaning, the Springboks will remain on 92.78 points until the end of the July test series window.
ALL BLACKS AND FRANCE GIFTED CHANCE TO CLOSE THE GAP
Meanwhile, the mighty All Blacks take on the Flamboyant French.
The All Blacks currently sit second on 90.36 points. Whilst, France is currently ranked fourth with a points total of 89.51. Just behind Ireland 89.83, who currently occupy third spot.
Now, to put this in context both the Springboks and Ireland cannot add to their World Rankings points in June and July. This is because the Irish are not in action due to the British & Irish Lions series in Australia.
Therefore, New Zealand and France have a chance to close the gap on the Springboks. NZ can cut the lead at the top and France can leapfrog Ireland and NZ with a victory.
A win for the All Blacks by less than seven in the first test will see them gain 0.62 points which would place them on 90.98, just 1.80 behind the Boks. A win by 15 or more points will result in the All Blacks gaining 0.92 points. Thus, reaching 91.29 points after the first test. They are currently 2.42 points behind the Springboks.
Whereas a French win is worth a lot more – 1.38 points to be exact. If France win the first test they will leapfrog Ireland and NZ will drop to fourth. In this scenario, they will have 90.90 points. In the most unlikely scenario, if France win by 15 or more they will gain 2.08 and be on 91.59 after the first test.
In summary, the Springboks and Ireland cannot add to their World Rankings points total. However, NZ and France can close the gap on the Boks and the Irish. The South African will analyse and update this situation with each test result.
WITH THIS IN MIND, HOW DO YOU THINK THE WORLD RANKINGS WILL LOOK AFTER THE FIRST ALL BLACKS AND FRANCE TEST? WHO WILL CLOSE THE GAP ON THE SPRINGBOKS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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