Springboks gaze down on rugby world

The Springboks end 2025 as World Rugby’s No 1-ranked team, retaining the position they held at the start of the year.

A 73-0 demolition of Wales in Cardiff wrapped up the Bok season in emphatic style, but the victory did not deliver any ranking points due to the gulf between the sides.

Still, the Boks’ consistency throughout the year ensured they remained clear of the chasing pack before the 2027 World Cup draw which takes place on Wednesday.

The Boks finish the year on 93.94 points, well clear of the All Blacks on 90.33.

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While the Springboks are the sport’s current benchmark, New Zealand managed to rise from third to second.

England were the biggest climbers over the course of the season, surging from seventh to third under Steve Borthwick. Ireland drop two places to fourth, while France and Argentina each slip one spot, with the Pumas holding onto sixth and the final Band 1 seeding.

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2027 World Cup hosts Australia were unable to force their way into Band 1 despite a late surge and will headline Pool A. They finish the year in seventh – one place better than in January but short of the ranking required to influence the draw. That means they will have one of South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France or Argentina joining them in Pool A.

Fiji, Scotland and Italy complete the top 10, with the Azzurri the only side among them to finish exactly where they began. Scotland slide from sixth to ninth, while Fiji edge one place up into eighth.

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Further down, Wales recovered from a low of 14th to end the year in 11th, as Japan’s decisive win over Georgia lifted them into 12th and into Band 2.

Samoa suffered the biggest fall among qualified 2027 teams, dropping from 14th to 19th, while Chile’s qualification campaign propelled them from 21st to 17th.

World Rugby rankings (top 15)
1. South Africa 93.94
2. New Zealand 90.33
3. England 89.41
4. Ireland 87.97
5. France 87.24
6. Argentina 84.97
7. Australia 81.53
8. Scotland 80.22
9. Fiji 80.14
10. Italy 78.98
11. Wales 74.23
12. Japan 74.09
13. Georgia 73.18
14. Spain 70.01
15. USA 68.26

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images