The Springboks and All Blacks head into Saturday’s third Test with more than a series lead at stake — the World Rugby number-one ranking could change hands once again.
The four-Test battle between South Africa and New Zealand is locked at 1-1, setting up another high-stakes encounter at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
The All Blacks reclaimed top spot in the World Rugby rankings after winning the opening Test, but South Africa responded with a 33-26 victory last weekend to move back to number one.
Now, with only 0.54 ranking points separating the rivals, Saturday’s result could trigger another dramatic change at the summit.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10 (SA time).
Springboks can strengthen their grip on No. 1
South Africa currently sits at the top of the rankings with 93.39 points, while New Zealand is second on 92.85.
A Springboks victory by more than 15 points would significantly increase their advantage, taking their lead over the All Blacks to 3.38 points.
New Zealand, however, has the opportunity to immediately reclaim number one.
A victory for the All Blacks would create another rankings shake-up and make history, with the team occupying the top spot changing for a third consecutive week.
That adds another layer of intrigue to what is already one of rugby’s biggest rivalries.
Other ranking battles to watch
The Springboks and All Blacks aren’t the only teams with plenty riding on their results this weekend.
Argentina can climb back to seventh if they beat Australia, reclaiming the position they lost after last weekend’s defeat in Jujuy.
Australia, meanwhile, need a victory by more than 15 points to move above Scotland and into sixth place.
Japan’s clash with Canada also has ranking implications. Japan cannot improve its rating with a win because of the sizeable points gap between the two teams.
Canada, however, could move up the rankings with a strong result. A draw in Niigata would lift them two places to 22nd, while a victory by more than 15 points could take them above Romania into 21st.
Current World Rugby 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 |
A rivalry reaching its decisive stage
New Zealand’s tour of South Africa has already produced several memorable results, including wins over the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions before the opening Test.
The All Blacks won the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park, before the Springboks fought back with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town to level the series.
Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium now presents both sides with another opportunity to seize control — and potentially claim the world’s top ranking.
The fourth and final Test will take place on 12 September at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, meaning the battle for supremacy is set to continue well beyond Johannesburg.
For the Springboks, the mission is clear: win and strengthen their position at the top. For the All Blacks, victory could mean another return to number one.
The rankings may be numerical, but on Saturday they will be another measure of just how close these two giants remain.
