All eyes on rugby rankings as Springboks-All Blacks go into battle

The Springboks and All Blacks clash in the third Test on Saturday, and the result could have a huge impact on the rugby rankings.

Black News Black News
Sep 4, 2026 - 10:32 Updated: Sep 4, 2026 - 10:44
All eyes on rugby rankings as Springboks-All Blacks go into battle

The four-Test series between the Springboks and All Blacks is currently tied up at 1-1, with the hosts having reclaimed top spot on the World Rugby rankings after clinching a hard-fought win last weekend.

Heading into Saturday’s third Test, there are various World Rugby rankings permutations to take note of, while it shouldn’t be forgotten that Japan take on Canada this weekend, while Argentina head into a second encounter with Australia.

For the Springboks and All Blacks, kick off is at 17:10.

Rankings highlights as Springboks eye big lead

  • Rankings history will be created this weekend if New Zealand win the third Test to regain the number one ranking from South Africa and ensure a third consecutive week where the team at the top has changed. 
  • The Springboks go into this match in Soweto with a 0.54-point advantage over the All Blacks, but that will increase to 3.38 points if they win by more than 15 points.
  • Japan cannot improve their rating with victory over 24th-ranked Canada due to the 14.99 points difference between the teams.
  • A draw in Niigata would be enough to lift Canada two places to 22nd, while a win by more than 15 points would also lift them above Romania into 21st.
  • Victory will see Argentina regain the seventh place they lost following last weekend’s defeat by Australia in Jujuy.
  • Australia must win by more than 15 points to take sixth place from Scotland.  

LATEST RANKINGS

Rank Country Points
1 South Africa 93.39
2 New Zealand 92.85
3 Ireland 88.08
4 France 87.43
5 England 85.68
6 Scotland 84.78
7 Australia 83.71
8 Argentina 82.08
9 Fiji 78.00
10 Wales 76.38
11 Italy 76.30
12 Japan 75.94
13 Georgia 73.94
14 USA 70.22
15 Portugal 69.39
16 Chile 66.94
17 Spain 66.83
18 Uruguay 65.75
19 Tonga 65.14
20 Samoa 64.73

VIEW WORLD RUGBY MEN’S RANKINGS >>

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