Boks set to maintain top spot in world rankings regardless of this weekend's results

By SABC Sport
18th November 2025

The Springboks will hold on to their number one ranking for this week, regardless of what happens in their huge game against Ireland on Saturday.

South Africa secured an unassailable position at the summit following a 32-14 triumph over Italy and England's shock victory over the All Blacks.

New Zealand could have closed it to 0.25 heading into this weekend's matches with a dominant victory at Twickenham but instead fell to a 33-19 defeat.

As a result, the Boks cannot be shifted from the number one spot even if they lose against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.

Scott Robertson's men also have a game but they will be unable to close the gap, given that they are taking on a struggling Wales side that isn't offering any ranking points.

Battle for third

It is a similar story for the Red Roses, who managed to move up one place, above Ireland, with their triumph on Saturday, but cannot go any higher next week if the All Blacks beat Wales as expected.

Ireland dropped below England due to their inability to gain any points in their game against the Wallabies, but have the opportunity to return to the top three this weekend should they manage to beat the Boks.

Below the top four, countries are scrambling for World Cup draw seedings, including France, who must be wary of not succumbing to a heavy defeat to Australia.

That may appear unlikely, given the form of Joe Schmidt's men, but the victory over Fiji was not enough to completely secure France's top-six place for the World Cup draw.

The 34-21 success over the Pacific Islanders gave them some breathing room in fifth but Argentina are hot on their heels in sixth after an outstanding come-from-behind 33-24 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.

It is a result that has ruled the Scots out of being one of the top seeds ahead of the World Cup draw with Gregor Townsend's men having a lowly Tonga in their final November Test.

They will join Wales as one of the second seeds after Steve Tandy's outfit finally managed to end their barren home streak with a dramatic 24-23 victory over Japan.

World Rugby rankings (As of 17/11/2025)

1 South Africa 93.06

2 New Zealand 90.33

3 England 89.09

4 Ireland 88.85

5 France 87.07

6 Argentina 85.30

7 Australia 81.69

8 Fiji 81.03

9 Scotland 80.22

10 Italy 78.98

11 Georgia 74.69