The Springboks have retained top spot in the latest World Rugby rankings after extending their winning streak to 12 matches with a hard-fought 17-10 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Rassie Erasmus’ side were pushed all the way by a determined Los Pumas outfit, but South Africa held their nerve to secure another important Test victory and maintain their position as the world’s top-ranked men’s rugby team.
Boks Dig Deep in Buenos Aires
The Springboks entered the clash knowing that a defeat could potentially put their No. 1 ranking under pressure.
Argentina made life difficult from the opening whistle, matching South Africa’s physicality and putting the visitors under sustained pressure.
The two sides went into half-time level at 10-10, setting up a tense second half.
South Africa eventually found the breakthrough when Cameron Hanekom crossed for a crucial try, giving the Boks the lead in the final quarter.
Argentina launched a late assault in search of an equaliser, but the Springboks’ defence held firm to secure a 17-10 victory.
The result extended South Africa’s winning run to 12 consecutive matches.
Erasmus Happy With the Result
While pleased with the victory, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that his team did not produce their most fluent performance.
Several players were returning from injury or limited game time, while the unique challenge posed by Argentina made the contest particularly demanding.
Erasmus acknowledged that the Boks looked short of their best at times but praised the players for finding a way to win.
The coach also highlighted the team’s defensive effort, particularly after Argentina repeatedly threatened late in the match.
For Erasmus, the biggest positive was that South Africa managed to get several returning players through a full Test match.
Springboks Maintain World No. 1 Ranking
Despite the victory, South Africa did not gain additional ranking points because Argentina entered the fixture ranked seventh in the world.
The Springboks therefore remain comfortably at the summit with 93.96 points, ahead of New Zealand on 92.28.
Ireland occupy third place, followed by France and England.
Updated World Rugby Top 20
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 93.96 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 92.28 |
| 3 | Ireland | 88.08 |
| 4 | France | 87.43 |
| 5 | England | 85.68 |
| 6 | Scotland | 84.78 |
| 7 | Argentina | 83.13 |
| 8 | Australia | 82.09 |
| 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 |
Wallabies Hold On Against Japan
Elsewhere, Australia began the Les Kiss era with a dramatic 35-32 victory over Japan in Osaka.
The Wallabies survived difficult conditions and a major setback after lock Miles Amatosero received a 20-minute red card.
Despite Japan’s determined challenge, Australia held on to claim the win and remain eighth in the rankings.
Japan, meanwhile, slipped to 12th place, dropping below Italy.
Boks Still the Team to Beat
The latest rankings underline South Africa’s continued dominance at the top of world rugby.
However, the narrow victory over Argentina also demonstrated that the Boks remain vulnerable when opponents can match their physical intensity and put them under sustained pressure.
With a 12-match winning streak now secured, Erasmus and his coaching staff will turn their attention to improving the attacking cohesion of the team as the Springboks continue their international campaign.
South Africa remain No. 1—but the chasing pack is watching closely.
