South Africa have set a new national record in the World Rugby rankings and could surpass the highest total ever recorded when they return to action in November.
The Springboks extended their dominance at the top of the standings with a 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore on Saturday, sealing a 3-1 series win in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The result moves Rassie Erasmus’ side to 95.09 points – their highest tally since the rankings were introduced in 2003.
Remarkable turnaround under Erasmus
It is another milestone for Erasmus, who inherited a Springboks side in seventh place with 82.78 points when he took charge in 2018.
They entered the series 2.44 points ahead of the All Blacks and briefly lost the number one spot after defeat in the first Test, but finished with a clear 3.95-point lead after three consecutive victories.
Record within reach
New Zealand’s dominant side of the 2010s holds the record for the highest-ever rankings total, reaching 96.57 points in 2016.
South Africa face Australia and Italy away next, but victories over those lower-ranked opponents are unlikely to provide enough points to break the record.
Their best opportunity comes in November when they face France in Saint-Denis and Ireland in Dublin. If they win both, they are projected to move beyond 97 points and set a new world rankings record. One defeat would end their hopes this year, meaning they would have to wait until 2027.
Little movement elsewhere
There is little movement elsewhere, although 12th-placed Japan are now within 0.3 points of Italy and Wales (10th) after a 63-14 win over the USA.
The return of the Nations Championship in November is set to bring significant movement as the top nations compete again. Wales face Japan, Australia and New Zealand before the finals weekend.
New World Rugby rankings (September 14): 1 South Africa 95.09 (+0.76), 2 New Zealand 91.15 (-0.76), 3 Ireland 88.08, 4 France 87.43, 5 England 85.68, 6 Scotland 84.78, 7 Australia 83.55, 8 Argentina 82.24, 9 Fiji 78.00, 10 Wales 76.38, 11 Italy 76.30, 12 Japan 76.09 (+0.73).
