The Springboks could face renewed pressure at the top of the World Rugby rankings this weekend, with the All Blacks having an opportunity to reduce the gap between the two rugby powerhouses.
New Zealand will take on Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney on Saturday, 17 October, knowing another victory could bring them significantly closer to South Africa ahead of the Nations Championship in November.
All Blacks Target Springboks’ No. 1 Position
South Africa strengthened its position at the top of the world rankings in September after defeating New Zealand 43-28 in the fourth Test of their series. The result secured a 3-1 series victory for the Springboks and appeared to give the world champions some breathing room at the summit.
However, South Africa’s advantage has since come under pressure.
The Springboks suffered a narrow 42-38 defeat against Australia in Perth, losing two full ranking points in the process. The setback gave their closest challengers an opportunity to make up ground.
New Zealand capitalised on that opening by recording a convincing victory over the Wallabies last weekend. The All Blacks collected an additional 0.66 ranking points, while Australia lost the equivalent amount.
According to the figures in the supplied report, New Zealand’s rating has moved to 91.81 points, leaving them 1.28 points behind South Africa.
Another win over Australia could reduce that deficit further, with New Zealand potentially gaining up to 0.46 points. That would leave the All Blacks approximately 0.82 points behind the Springboks heading into November’s Nations Championship.
Wallabies Have Plenty at Stake in Sydney
Although the spotlight is on the battle for the top ranking, Australia also has plenty to play for.
A victory over New Zealand would end the Wallabies’ 12-match losing streak against their trans-Tasman rivals in the Bledisloe Cup series and could improve their position in the world rankings.
Australia could climb above England into fifth place with a win. A victory by more than 15 points could potentially move the Wallabies above France into fourth, while a defeat would see them drop to seventh, according to the supplied report.
The result therefore carries significant implications for both teams as the international rugby season continues.
World Rugby Rankings: Top 10
The rankings listed in the supplied article place South Africa at the top, with New Zealand in second place.
| Rank | Team | Rating points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 93.09 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 91.15 |
| 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 |
Note: The supplied report contains differing New Zealand rating figures: 91.15 in its rankings table and 91.81 in the accompanying match update. Confirm the latest official World Rugby figures before publication.
Bledisloe Cup: Australia vs New Zealand
The two rivals will meet at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with kick-off scheduled for 07:00 South African time on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
Match details
- Fixture: Australia vs New Zealand
- Competition: Bledisloe Cup
- Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Kick-off: 07:00 SAST
- Referee: Luke Pearce
Expected Australia Line-up
Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Isaac Henry, Harry Potter, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser and Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Filipo Daugunu.
Expected New Zealand Line-up
Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (captain) and George Bower.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Rieko Ioane.
Can the Springboks Hold On to Top Spot?
South Africa remains in control of the world rankings for now, but the All Blacks have an opportunity to close the gap before the Nations Championship.
A New Zealand victory would increase the pressure on the Springboks, while an Australian upset could reshape the rankings further down the table.
With pride, Bledisloe Cup bragging rights and valuable ranking points on the line, Saturday’s clash promises to be an important encounter for all three teams involved in the wider race at the top.
Rugby fans, what do you think? Will the All Blacks close in on the Springboks, or can South Africa maintain its position as the world’s No. 1 team? Share your prediction in the comments.
