The Springboks have enjoyed a dominant start to the 2026 season, but due to their vastly superior position on the World Rugby rankings table compared to their opponents during July, they haven’t been able to improve their positioning. Instead, it’s the All Blacks who have strengthened their rankings tally, and New Zealand are now just 1.68 points behind the N 1-ranked Springboks just a few weeks away from the start of the four-Test Greatest Rugby Rivalry Tour.

Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks, said he was happy with the progress of the team as the coaching staff also continued to balance building depth with positive results. “I think we’ve got a little bit better in every game of the Nations Championship but as we’ve been rotating it does take cohesion away. “There was a lot of exciting rugby (in the first leg of the new tournament), with nearly all the games opening up.

The All Blacks-France game was a thriller, with the French team chasing bonus points in the end. Rassie pointed out that his team didn’t have any issues with kicking for touch, unlike some of the other teams. “When teams got into the opposition 22, it seemed inevitable that they would score. The win still counts the most for us.”

Rassie has been instrumental in the team's success, bringing a new level of intensity and physicality to the game. He has been involved in rugby for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of the sport. Rassie's no-nonsense approach has brought the team together, and his ability to inspire the players has been a major factor in their success.

The Springboks have a strong squad, with many talented players vying for a spot in the starting lineup. The team has been working hard to build cohesion and develop their game, and it’s paying off. They have a tough schedule ahead, but they’re confident in their abilities.

"When teams got into the opposition 22, it seemed inevitable that they would score."

  • Rassie Erasmus, Head Coach, Springboks

The World Rugby rankings are updated regularly, and the Springboks will need to keep their performances high to remain at the top. The All Blacks will be looking to close the gap even further, and it will be an exciting rivalry to watch unfold. The Greatest Rugby Rivalry Tour is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly anticipating the matches.

The Current Top 5 Rankings

  • 1 South Africa 93.96
  • 2 New Zealand 92.28
  • 3 Ireland 88.08
  • 4 France 87.43
  • 5 England 85.68

The Springboks will face off against the All Blacks in the first match of the tour, and it’s set to be an intense and competitive encounter. The rivalry between the two teams is one of the fiercest in rugby, and this match promises to be no exception. Fans are expecting an exciting and closely contested match, and it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge victorious.

The Springboks have shown great discipline and focus, but the All Blacks have been playing some of the best rugby in the world. It will be a match to remember, and fans are eager to see how it all unfolds.