Springboks drop to third after Ellis Park shock as All Blacks return to No. 1

The All Blacks are back at the top of the World Rugby Rankings for the first time since November 2021, climbing above South Africa and Ireland after a dramatic opening weekend in the Rugby Championship.

Scott Robertson’s New Zealand side secured a 41-24 win over Argentina in Córdoba, earning 0.45 rating points to reach 92.51 points in the standings. That result, combined with South Africa’s stunning collapse at Ellis Park, was enough to move the All Blacks to No. 1.

Springboks Stunned in Johannesburg

Reigning world champions South Africa looked to be cruising after storming into a 22-0 lead against Australia. But in one of the biggest upsets in Rugby Championship history, the Wallabies roared back to seal a 38-22 victory.

The loss cost the Springboks three rating points, cutting their total to 89.78 and dropping them to third place – just behind Ireland (89.83), who move up to second.

Australia’s win added three points to their tally, pushing them further clear in sixth place.

Rankings Shake-Up Ahead of World Cup Seedings

The top six nations in the rankings will form the first pot of seeds for the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw later this year, making every point critical.

Despite their defeat, Argentina remain seventh on 81.61 points, but only a fraction ahead of Scotland (81.57).

World Rugby Rankings – Top 10 (as of August 18, 2025)

New Zealand – 92.51

Ireland – 89.83

South Africa – 89.78

France – 87.82

England – 87.64

Australia – 85.08

Argentina – 81.61

Scotland – 81.57

Fiji – 80.50

Italy – 77.77

The updated rankings will be officially confirmed by World Rugby at noon on Monday, August 18.

SportsLigue