The Springboks defeated France 32-17 to celebrate captain Siya Kolisi’s 100th cap in fine style on Saturday evening to maintain their place as the number one ranked side in World Rugby.
Furthermore, the Boks have extended their lead over the rest of the world following their memorable performance in France.
UPDATED WORLD RANKINGS – TOP 20
| 1. South Africa | 93.06 (+0.86) |
| 2. New Zealand | 91.35 (+0.36) |
| 3. Ireland | 88.85 |
| 4. England | 88.06 (+0.02) |
| 5. France | 86.95 (-0.86) |
| 6. Argentina | 83.82 |
| 7. Australia | 81.69 (-1.21) |
| 8. Scotland | 81.21 (-0.36) |
| 9. Fiji | 81.15 (-0.02) |
| 10. Italy | 78.98 (+1.21) |
| 11. Georgia | 74.69 |
| 12. Wales | 74.05 |
| 13. Japan | 73.25 |
| 14. Spain | 69.12 |
| 15. USA | 67.40 |
| 16. Samoa | 66.94 |
| 17. Uruguay (↑2) | 66.88 (+0.29) |
| 18. Chile (↓1) | 66.72 |
| 19. Tonga (↓1) | 66.66 |
| 20. Portugal | 66.16 (-0.29) |
SPRINGBOKS EXTEND THEIR LEAD AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD RANKINGS
The Springboks entered the November tour as the number one ranked side.
Two weeks later, they have not only maintained their status as the best side in world rugby but have also stretched their lead at the top.
The 14-man Springboks managed to rally on despite Lood de Jager receiving a controversial red card at the stroke of half-time. The Boks went into the change rooms trailing 14-13 at half-time.
In fact, if anything the sending off seemed to rally the side as the Springboks came to life in the second half. Thereafter, they returned to the field a very different team.
In every sense, captain Kolisi sacrificed himself to make way for a second lock with Ruan Nortje taking to the field. Then, Pieter-Steph du Toit was handed the captaincy armband and helped inspire his side to a remarkable 32-17 win with 19 unanswered points in the second half. For the Boks, the Paris dream continued. They had returned to the venue they won the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
However, for France they had to relive the nightmare they spent two years planning to avenge after losing 29-28 in the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup.
As a result, South Africa added 0.86 points to bring their total points tally to 93.06. Meanwhile, the All bBlacks defeated Scotland 25-15 earlier in the day to bring their points up by 0.36. Thus, bringing their total to 91.35 in second place. Meaning, the Boks extended their lead by 0.50 points over the All Blacks due to their emphatic truimph in France.
