The Springboks will soon return to action in a brand-new tournament – the Nations Cup.
The Springboks carry the weight and privilege of being the world’s top-ranked side. As the 2026 Test season looms, South Africa sits high and handsome at the top of latest world rugby rankings. With the All Blacks firmly in their sights and Ireland and France are closely behind.
There’s a twist, though. The introduction of the Inaugral Nations Cup brings a mixed bag of news to Springboks supporters keeping a close eye on the world rankings.
SPRINGBOKS TO MAINTAIN TOP SPOT
The good news is that the Springboks’ position as the number one ranked team in world rugby is secure in the short term. Irrespective of results.
South Africa leads the world rankings on 93.94 points, with New Zealand trailing on 90.33. That 3.61-point cushion is significant. It is enough to keep the Springboks and All Blacks dynamic tilted in South Africa’s favour through the opening stretch of the season (this is not the best news for All Blacks fans).
In practical terms, it means the Springboks will remain on top regardless of early results. Even as the Nations Cup kicks off, the gap ensures South Africa’s grip on No. 1 won’t be loosened easily.
Unfortunately, there is some mixed news for Springboks fans…
ALSO READ: SPRINGBOKS NEW ERA | NEXT COACH: 3 CANDIDATES TO REPLACE RASSIE ERASMUS
BOKS TO HOST ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND IN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP
Here’s where the narrative sharpens.
While the Springboks prepare to host England at Ellis Park on 4 July and Scotland a week later, these fixtures offer little upside in ranking points. The disparity between South Africa and their UK opponents is simply too wide. Meaning, no margin of victory in either Test match will won’t boost their tally.
However, they can lose ground at the top if they lose to either England or Scotland.
A shock loss/defeat to the English at home (by 14 or less) would see Rassie Eramsus an his charges lose two points.
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ALL BLACKS TO CLOSE THE GAP
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have a golden opportunity to chip away at the deficit. A blockbuster clash against Six Nations champions France in Christchurch on 4 July presents a high-stakes chance to make meaningful gains (for either side).
Here are the permutations:
NEW ZEALAND VS FRANCE IN CHRISTCHURCH ON 4 JULY
If New Zealand Wins:
- By 14 points or less → +0.41 ranking points
- By 15 points or more → +0.62 ranking points
If France Wins:
- By 14 points or less:
- France: +1.59 points
- New Zealand: −1.59 points
- Result: France moves ahead; New Zealand drops to 4th
- By 15 points or more:
- France: +2.38 points
- New Zealand: −2.38 points
- Result: Major ranking shift in France’s favor
Even in the worst-case scenario (losing to England national rugby union team + big New Zealand win),
South Africa will remain as the number one ranked side in World rugby.
NO RANKINGS POINTS ON OFFER FOR EITHER SIDE IN ROUND TWO
Similarly, one week later when the All Blacks host Italy in Wellington and the Springboks host Scotland at Loftus.
Therefore, no result will change the rankings given the gap between the All Blacks (and Italians) and the Springboks (and Scotland).
THE ALL BLACKS WILL HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO FURTHER CLOSE THE GAP
The All Blacks host Ireland in Auckland on 18 July 2026.
Meaning, this will be another change for the New Zealenders to further close the gap in the Springboks. The value of the points on offer will depend on the restult between All Blacks and France two weeks prior.
Ultimately New Zealand cannot overtake South Africa in the first three rounds of action unless the Springboks lose to England and Scotland and the All Blacks beat France and Ireland.
However, strong wins (especially by large margins) could significantly narrow the gap at the top of the rankings even if the Boks win both their Tests.
ALSO READ: SPRINGBOKS NEW ERA | NEXT CAPTAIN: THREE CANDIDATES TO REPLACE SIYA KOLISI
THE BALANCE OF POWER
For now, South Africa remain in control. The Springboks and All Blacks rivalry continues to define the global game, with South African dominance underpinned by consistency and results.
But momentum can shift quickly at this level. While the Springboks defend their crown from a position of strength, the All Blacks are circling and lurking armed with opportunity and intent.
The coming weeks won’t just be about results. They’ll shape the psychological edge in rugby’s greatest rivalry with the iconic and legendary return of the Springboks-All Blacks series around the corner.
WHO DO YOU THINK WILL GO INTO THE ICONIC SPRINGBOKS-ALL BLACKS TOUR AS THE NUMBER ONE RANKED SIDE AFTER FEROCIOUS OPENING ROUND FIXTURES FOR BOTH SIDES IN THE INAUGURAL UNITED CHAMPIONSHIP?
Give us your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below.
