The Springboks could be at risk of surrendering their position at the top of the World Rugby rankings when they face Italy in the Nations Championship this weekend.
Rassie Erasmus’ men are preparing for a crucial encounter against the Azzurri at Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
Kick-off is scheduled for 13:40 South African time, with the match set to be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Although South Africa will enter the contest as favourites, the stakes are particularly high, with their world No 1 ranking potentially on the line.
How the Springboks could lose their world No 1 ranking
South Africa currently occupy first place in the World Rugby rankings with 93.09 points, holding a narrow 0.82-point advantage over second-placed New Zealand, who have 92.27 points.
However, a defeat against Italy could open the door for the All Blacks to reclaim the top position.
According to the ranking scenarios outlined ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, a Springbok defeat by 15 points or fewer would cost South Africa two ranking points.
A loss by 16 points or more would result in a three-point deduction, while a draw after 80 minutes would see the defending world champions lose one point.
For South Africa to lose their No 1 position, New Zealand would also need to beat Scotland later on Saturday.
That makes both encounters important in determining who finishes the weekend at the summit of international rugby.
Springboks have dominated previous meetings with Italy
Despite the potential ranking danger, South Africa will take confidence from their impressive historical record against Italy.
The two nations have met 19 times in Test rugby, with the Springboks recording 18 victories.
Italy’s only win came on 19 November 2016, when they produced a memorable 20-18 victory over a largely second-string South African side in Florence.
That team was captained by Adriaan Strauss and coached by Allister Coetzee.
Italy will therefore be hoping to produce another memorable performance, while the Springboks will be determined to avoid an upset.
Springboks and New Zealand level in Nations Championship standings
South Africa are also involved in a closely contested Nations Championship campaign.
After three rounds, the Springboks and New Zealand are both on 15 points, with South Africa occupying the leading position on points difference.
The upcoming fixtures could therefore have significant consequences for both the tournament standings and the international rankings.
When will Rassie Erasmus announce the Springbok team?
Springbok supporters will be waiting for Rassie Erasmus to reveal his match-day squad for the Italy encounter.
The team announcement is scheduled for Monday at 18:30 South African time.
With the world No 1 ranking at stake, selection decisions and the team’s performance will attract considerable attention.
Nations Championship Round 4 fixtures
All kick-off times are South African time.
Friday, 6 November 2026
- Ireland vs Argentina – 22:10
Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Italy vs South Africa – 13:40
- Scotland vs New Zealand – 16:10
- Wales vs Japan – 18:40
- France vs Fiji – 22:10
Sunday, 8 November 2026
- England vs Australia – 17:10
Springbok squad for the second leg of the Nations Championship
Props: Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen and Gerhard Steenekamp.
Hookers: Malcolm Marx and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Locks: Lood de Jager, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortje, Riley Norton and Franco Mostert.
Loose forwards: Paul de Villiers, Siya Kolisi, Cameron Hanekom, Emmanuel Tshituka and Jasper Wiese.
Utility forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden.
Scrumhalves: Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg and Grant Williams.
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Luan Giliomee and Manie Libbok.
Centres: Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Markus Muller and Canan Moodie.
Outside backs: Sebastian de Klerk, Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse.
Can the Springboks protect their No 1 status?
The Springboks have established themselves as the leading force in international rugby, but their position at the top of the world rankings is never guaranteed.
Italy will have an opportunity to make history, while New Zealand will be watching closely as they look to capitalise on any South African slip-up.
For Erasmus and his players, the mission is straightforward: beat Italy, collect valuable Nations Championship points and protect their position as the world’s top-ranked rugby nation.
WILL THE SPRINGBOKS BE TOO STRONG FOR ITALY, OR COULD THE ALL BLACKS RECLAIM THE WORLD NO 1 SPOT THIS WEEKEND?
