Springboks Extend Unbeaten Run but Face Ranking Pressure from All Blacks
- Springboks extended their unbeaten run to seven Test matches with wins over Italy and Georgia
- South Africa’s position at the top remains vulnerable, as New Zealand closed the gap to just 0.72 points
- The All Blacks could overtake the Boks on August 16 if results and margins go their way
The Springboks have recorded victories against the Italians and edged Georgia convincingly, in the process stretching their unbeaten run in Test rugby to seven matches. It is their best run since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Getty Images
This has not helped the South Africans, though, when it comes to improving their rating in the world rankings, since no points have been awarded for any of their wins. This has given New Zealand breathing space to cut down the defending World Rugby champions' lead at the summit.
How far are the Springboks from the All Blacks?
On the other hand, New Zealand have accumulated points from all three of their victories and now trails by only a meagre 0.72 points.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
The situation could have been much more adverse for the Springboks, had New Zealand’s 29–19 win in Hamilton met the required margin to grant them more than 0.34 points.
The Springboks' position at the summit is under increasing threat, and the possibility of the All Blacks replacing them at the top during the opening weekend of the Rugby Championship on August 16 is looking more likely.
Source: Getty Images
Which is the Springboks' next game?
The Boks' next assignment is a home fixture against Australia at Ellis Park, while the All Blacks will face Argentina. A victory for both sides will see the South Africans maintaining their fledgling hold on the top spot.
Their rating will not see a huge improvement because they will be playing at home, but the chances of the All Blacks completely erasing the 0.72-point deficit remain unlikely, as they will be up against a team with a significantly lower rating, albeit away from home.
Siya Kolisi speaks on retirement and Rugby 2027
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has spoken about the possibility of being part of the team that will aim to win the Rugby World Cup for the third successive time in a row in Australia in 2027.
Kolisi, who returned to the squad for the first time this past weekend in Mbombela against Georgia, had been sidelined from action due to a neck injury.
Kolisi, 34, will be relishing the thought of making history by doing what no other captain has done before, having already become the first black captain to lift the prestigious Webb Ellis Trophy in 2019.
SA Rugby mourns former Springboks captain.
Briefly News previously reported that a former Springboks captain passed away on Monday morning after a long illness. The player who was born in Zimbabwe was instrumental even after retirement as both a coach and an administrator.
He has been described by South African Rugby as a leader in the game of rugby and has left an incredible legacy behind.
Source: Briefly News
