World Rankings: Springboks face high-stakes showdown with France to defend No 1 spot

By SABC Sport
8th November 2025

This weekend's November internationals present a make-or-break test for the Springboks as they look to defend their spot at the top of the World Rugby rankings.

After last Saturday's opening round, Ireland are out of contention following their loss to the All Blacks, leaving South Africa and New Zealand as the main contenders for the No 1 ranking. The Springboks have the advantage going into this weekend, but their position is far from guaranteed.

The Boks got off to a strong start with a commanding 61-7 win over Japan, but this weekend they face a sterner test in France, who will be eager for revenge after their narrow quarter-final defeat to the Boks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

A win or a draw will be crucial if South Africa hopes to remain number one, particularly if the All Blacks continue their march in Edinburgh against Scotland.

History suggests that it will be a comfortable afternoon for Robertson's charges having never lost to Scotland, but a few teams have upset the All Blacks over the past few years. The Scots will be hoping to add their name to the list, with a win ending the Kiwis' chances of being number one on Monday.

Should the All Blacks emerge triumphant in Edinburgh, though, a defeat of any kind for the Springboks would drop them down to second.

If both suffer a loss then the Boks will stay at the summit, but a reversal will have bigger consequences for New Zealand, who could slip behind both France and Ireland.

A heavy defeat to Scotland, combined with any sort of win for the French and Irish, would see them drop down to fourth.

They would still be ahead of England, however, who cannot go any higher in the rankings and will move down a place if Ireland and Les Bleus overcome Japan and South Africa, respectively.

That is because they will only earn a maximum of 0.02 for defeating Fiji by more than 15 points this weekend.

Steve Borthwick's men currently remain relatively safe in the race for the top six ahead of the Rugby World Cup draw in December, but the Flying Fijians could boost their own chances.

Several teams are battling for sixth spot, which would put them among the top seeds, but realistically it is between four nations, from Argentina (83.82, who currently reside there) to the Pacific Islanders down in ninth (81.16).

With those sides all in action this weekend, this round of games could therefore have huge ramifications ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Latest World Rugby Rankings (As of 08/11/2025)

1. South Africa - 92.20

2. New Zealand - 91.00

3. Ireland - 88.85

4. England - 88.04 (+1)

5. France - 87.82 (-1)

6. Argentina - 83.82

7. Australia - 82.90

8. Scotland - 81.57

9. Fiji - 81.16

10. Italy - 77.77