World rankings: Late drama puts Springboks’ top spot under threat ahead of intriguing Rugby Championship
Ireland celebrate victory over South Africa after Ciaran Frawley's drop-goal in 2024.
The Springboks’ world number one ranking is under threat looking ahead to the Rugby Championship following their defeat to Ireland at the weekend.
Rassie Erasmus’ men comfortably led the pack heading into Saturday’s clash in Durban and would have extended their advantage with a victory over Andy Farrell’s side.
However, Ireland stunned South Africa with a superb performance as Ciaran Frawley’s drop-goal saw them snatch a 25-24 triumph at Kings Park Stadium.
Closing the gap
Following that result, the gap has shortened significantly with it now standing at just under a point heading into next weekend’s Tests.
The Boks face Portugal in their final match of the mid-year series, so they could technically lose their number one slot, but that is unlikely considering the gap in quality between the teams.
Ireland, as well as New Zealand, will therefore have to wait until the Rugby Championship to see whether the Springboks will be usurped in the rankings.
Scott Robertson’s charges visit South Africa for a double-header during that tournament in games which could have significant ramifications for the world rankings.
The All Blacks warmed up for that competition with two narrow victories over England – the latest a 24-17 success in Auckland.
It kept their Eden Park fortress intact – their record at the stadium stretching to 49 matches unbeaten – and also edged them closer to top spot.
Although their change in ranking points was minimal, it still gives them a shot of overtaking the Boks later in the year.
📈 Movements for Italy and Australia while the gap at the top has shrunk between the Springboks and Ireland in the Men's latest World Rankings. pic.twitter.com/d87QvaU6dv
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 15, 2024
Elsewhere, there was only one change in the top 10 as the Wallabies dropped down to ninth despite defeating Wales 36-28 in Melbourne on Saturday.
Joe Schmidt’s men slipped a place because Italy produced an impressive display to beat Tonga 36-14 to equal their best-ever position in the standings.
Below the top 10, Georgia’s victory over Eddie Jones’ Japan impacted both teams as they swapped places, with the Lelos now in 12th and the Brave Blossoms in 14th.
World rankings week beginning 15/07/2024
1 (1) South Africa 93.11
2 (2) Ireland 92.12
3 (3) New Zealand 90.37
4 (4) France 86.96
5 (5) England 85.40
6 (6) Scotland 82.82
7 (7) Argentina 81.64
8 (9) Italy 78.98
9 (8) Australia 78.70
10 (10) Fiji 77.44
11 (11) Wales 76.04
12 (14) Georgia 74.36
13 (13) Samoa 73.65
14 (12) Japan 72.63
15 (16) Portugal 70.61