World Rankings: Springboks' place at No.1 under threat in Buenos Aires

The All Blacks could go into the four-Test Greatest Rivalry Series (22 August-12 September) as the number one ranked team in the world.

South Africa are closing in on an unbroken year-long run at the top, having dethroned the All Blacks last September. But a defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires this Saturday would result in the All Blacks taking over again.

Rassie Erasmus’ side go into the match at Estadio José Amalfitani with a rankings rating of 93.96, giving them a lead of 1.68 points over the All Blacks, who begin their tour of South Africa against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday night.

This would be wiped out if they were to suffer a first-ever defeat to the Pumas in Buenos Aires, as it would cost them at least two rating points – three if the margin exceeds 15 points.

Three of Argentina’s four wins aaginst the Springboks since they first met in 1993 were at home – but in Salta, Mendoza and, most recently in 2024, Santiago de Estero.

Assuming the Pumas were to win by 15 points or fewer, which would be in line with their previous victories, South Africa’s new rating of 91.96 points would drop them below the All Blacks, who currently have a rating of 92.28 points, while elevating Argentina to sixth.

A record win beyond that margin would lead to the Pumas not only overtaking Scotland but England as well on their way to claiming fifth place.

South Africa cannot fall any lower than second, because even in the worse-case scenario, they would still be 2.88 points better off than third-place Ireland in the rankings table.

A 13th win for the Springboks in the last 15 meetings with Argentina will not affect either teams rating, with the Springboks simplay maintaining their 1.68-point cushion at the top.

Kicking off the latest Test window, Japan and Australia meet in Osaka on Saturday morning in the first of this weekend’s two Test matches.

An eighth straight win for the Wallabies over the Brave Blossoms in Les Kiss’ first match in charge wouldn’t result in any change to their position of eighth, as Argentina, the side immediately above them, are too far in front to be caught.

Japan need to beat Australia by more than 15 points to overtake Fiji and move to ninth, while a defeat for the Brave Blossoms will cost them two places and see them removed from the top 10.

Wales and Italy will be bumped up one place, to 10th and 11th, respectively, should Eddie Jones’ side get the kiss of death.

Current World Rugby Men’s Rankings – Top 10

1. South Africa – 93.96
2. New Zealand – 92.28
3. Ireland – 88.08
4. France – 87.43
5. England – 85.68
6. Scotland – 84.78
7. Argentina – 83.13
8. Australia – 81.61
9. Fiji – 78.00
10. Japan – 76.42