The Springboks have paid a heavy price for their 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park, surrendering their place at the top of the World Rugby rankings.
South Africa entered the opening Test as the world’s No. 1 team, but New Zealand produced a superb second-half turnaround to claim a convincing victory and move above their long-time rivals.
The result gives the All Blacks an early advantage in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series—and puts the Springboks under immediate pressure to respond.
All Blacks turn the game around
South Africa appeared to be in control at half-time, taking a narrow 13-12 lead into the break.
But the second half belonged entirely to New Zealand.
The All Blacks scored four unanswered tries after the interval, turning a one-point deficit into a 17-point victory.
Will Jordan crossed twice, while Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke Jacobson also scored. Ruben Love added four conversions.
South Africa, by contrast, managed only one try, with Andre Esterhuizen crossing for the Springboks. Cheslin Kolbe supplied the remaining points with a conversion and two penalties.
The 33-16 scoreline represents New Zealand’s biggest-ever victory over South Africa at Ellis Park, making the defeat particularly significant for the Springboks.
World No. 1 ranking changes hands
The defeat also brought a major shake-up at the top of the international rankings.
The updated top 10 are:
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 94.03 |
| 2 | South Africa | 92.21 |
| 3 | Ireland | 88.08 |
| 4 | France | 87.43 |
| 5 | England | 85.68 |
| 6 | Scotland | 84.78 |
| 7 | Argentina | 83.13 |
| 8 | Australia | 82.67 |
| 9 | Fiji | 78.00 |
| 10 | Wales | 76.38 |
New Zealand gained 1.75 ranking points, while South Africa lost the same amount.
That leaves the All Blacks on 94.03 points, with the Springboks dropping to 92.21.
Bigger than just a ranking
For Rassie Erasmus and his players, losing the No. 1 ranking is an unwanted consequence of a much bigger problem.
South Africa couldn’t turn their strong first-half showing into points, while New Zealand became increasingly dangerous as the match progressed.
The Springboks now have an opportunity to put things right when the two sides meet again in Cape Town.
Cape Town becomes a must-win battle
The second Test is scheduled for Saturday, 29 August at Cape Town Stadium, with kick-off at 17:10.
The Springboks will be desperate to level the series and reclaim momentum.
For the All Blacks, another victory would put them 2-0 ahead and potentially leave South Africa facing a mountain to climb in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The No. 1 ranking has changed hands. Now the Springboks must show whether they can take it back.
