Springboks' dominance of the world rankings comes under increased threat

Unless they lose to Italy in one of the biggest upsets in recent rugby history, South Africa are guaranteed to retain the number one spot in the world rugby rankings for at least another week, but New Zealand are breathing down their necks.

The world champions have been top of the rankings since replacing Ireland in mid-November last year, and no one has come near to toppling them since.

However, with the Springboks unable to add to their rating of 92.78-point rating due to the relative weakness of the opposition they are facing this July, the All Blacks will have them well in their sights going into The Rugby Championship if they go on and complete a 3-0 series win over France.

The All Blacks managed an unconvincing 31-27 win in the opening test last weekend and will reduce the Springboks’ advantage over them in the rankings to just 1.06 points if they back it up with another win over France in Wellington this Saturday.

Currently, the Springboks are 1.8 points clear at the top, but New Zealand will receive 0.74 points for beating Les Bleus, while Rassie Erasmus’ side will get absolutely nothing for a second win in as many weeks over the Italians.

On another busy weekend of test rugby, all of the teams in the top 10 below South Africa – except third-placed Ireland and sixth-placed Argentina – can improve their positions through their endeavours or other results.

Meanwhile, there is a chance of redemption for Wales as they look to put last week’s 24-19 defeat to Japan behind them in the return match with the Brave Blossoms with a first win in 19 Tests.

If successful, Wales will be restored to 12th, having slipped to an all-time low of 14th as a result of last week’s defeat.

Rankings history could be made in the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda this Sunday.

Algeria are already at an all-time high of 54th and will climb to their highest position if they beat Namibia and reach a second consecutive final, potentially moving up by as many as 13 places to 41st.

Alternatively, Namibia will equal their lowest-ever position of 29th if they are soundly beaten.

Defending champions Zimbabwe take on Kenya in the other semi-final, knowing that a big win combined with a defeat for Canada against Belgium will take them up to 24th, their best position in the rankings.