If the Springboks can pull off a win over Argentina this Saturday, they will celebrate retaining the Rugby Championship, while a close eye should also be kept on the world rankings as the tournament concludes.
As the Springboks and other teams head towards the draw for the 2027 World Cup in December, which will be based on where teams sit on the world rankings, South Africa will be determined to solidify their place at summit.
With this in mind, it’s worth noting that a South Africa win could see their advantage over Ireland at the top increase by nearly one rating point to 2.66 points if they beat Argentina on Saturday.
Kick off at Twickenham is at 15:00 (SA time).
Here are all the world rankings permutation highlights for the Springboks to note:
- South Africa could lose to Argentina in London this weekend and still remain top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, providing that they don’t lose to Los Pumas by more than 15 points or New Zealand beat Australia by that same margin.
- These scenarios would see a third change at the top during The Rugby Championship 2025 with New Zealand and South Africa swapping places again, dropping the world champions to third.
- A South Africa win could see their advantage over Ireland at the top increase by nearly one rating point to 2.66 points if they beat Argentina on Saturday.
- If both South Africa and New Zealand win, then the All Blacks will climb above Ireland into second place behind the Springboks.
- South Africa will be replaced at number one by Ireland if they lose by more than 15 points and the Bledisloe Cup match in Perth ends in a draw.
- Argentina, who have elected to play their home match with South Africa at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, cannot catch England above in fifth even with an emphatic victory.
- However, defeat for Los Pumas could see them again swap places with Australia in the rankings if the Wallabies avoid defeat against New Zealand.
- This will see Australia climb to sixth and what would be a place in Band 1 for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw in December.
- Australia cannot slip from seventh this weekend even if beaten heavily at home.
VIEW WORLD RUGBY MEN’S RANKINGS >>
‘Rivalries will be set’
The men’s 2027 Rugby World Cup will be the biggest tournament in the sport’s history, with 24 teams battling it out for the Webb Ellis Cup in two years’ time.
Australia will get things underway in the opening game at Perth Stadium on 1 October 2027, kickstarting a new era for a Men’s Rugby World Cup. But how does it all work? Marking exactly two years to the day that the tournament will begin, World Rugby has unveiled the format for Rugby World Cup 2027.
In previous tournaments going back to Rugby World Cup 2003, there have traditionally been 20 teams that were divided into four pools of five teams. The top two teams from each pool would then progress to the quarter-finals, which was the first round of the knockouts.
At Australia 2027, there will be 24 teams, and therefore the tournament requires a new format and one big change: a Round of 16 as the first knockout game.
World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson, said: “With only two years until the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup ever, I’m thrilled to see the tournament draw date revealed. The draw brings the potential match-ups to life, rivalries are set and fans across the globe can envision the unforgettable rugby that awaits.
“Expanding Men’s Rugby World Cup to 24 teams is a landmark moment for our sport. It means more nations, more matches, and more opportunities for fans around the world to connect with rugby.
“The introduction of a round of 16 will deliver even more knockout rugby, ensuring every match counts and every team has the chance to make history. Importantly, we’ve been able to achieve this within a streamlined tournament window that protects player welfare while enhancing the spectacle. This is a huge step forward for rugby and a reflection of the game’s global growth.”
