Updated World Rugby rankings: Springboks at risk if they slip up against Wales
As a London-based expat, I know plenty of South Africans planning the trip to Cardiff next weekend. But while the atmosphere will be electric, the stakes are higher than many realise.
The Springboks sit comfortably at the top of the World Rugby rankings after their 24-13 victory over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
They’re on 93.94 points, a decent 3.61 points clear of New Zealand in second place.
England are breathing down their necks in third on 89.09 points, with Ireland fourth on 87.97 and France fifth on 87.24.
Updated World Rugby rankings – Top 20
| Rank | Country | Points |
| 1 | South Africa | 93.94 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 90.33 |
| 3 | England | 89.09 |
| 4 | Ireland | 87.97 |
| 5 | France | 87.24 |
| 6 | Argentina | 85.30 |
| 7 | Australia | 81.53 |
| 8 | Fiji | 81.03 |
| 9 | Scotland | 80.22 |
| 10 | Italy | 78.98 |
| 11 | Wales | 74.23 |
| 12 | Japan | 74.09 |
| 13 | Georgia | 73.18 |
| 14 | Spain | 69.12 |
| 15 | USA | 68.26 |
| 16 | Uruguay | 68.19 |
| 17 | Chile | 66.72 |
| 18 | Tonga | 66.66 |
| 19 | Samoa | 66.43 |
| 20 | Portugal | 64.89 |
The danger of complacency
Wales, currently languishing in 11th place on just 74.23 points, host South Africa on Saturday, 29 November.
It’s outside the official Test window, which means Rassie Erasmus will likely field a weakened side to give fringe players game time.
If the Springboks are complacent and lose to a team ranked 11th in the world, the rankings points penalty will be severe.
Losing to a much lower-ranked side costs significantly more points than losing to a top-tier nation.
A heavy defeat could see South Africa have their lead virtually wiped away.
The gap to New Zealand and England isn’t as comfortable as the raw numbers suggest when you factor in the potential points swing from an upset.
Wales were hammered 52-26 by the All Blacks last weekend, but they’ll be desperate to restore some pride on home soil.
The Principality Stadium will be rocking, and South African expats making the journey from London and beyond will be hoping the Boks don’t take their hosts lightly.
South Africa are assured of finishing 2025 as the world’s number one team regardless. But losing ranking points to Wales would be an embarrassing way to end what’s been a stellar year.
Springboks fixture list for 2026
The Springboks face a jam-packed schedule in 2026, with three Six Nations teams visiting South Africa in July, a historic four-Test series against New Zealand, and autumn Tests in Europe.
Saturday, 4 July | England | Venue TBC
Saturday, 11 July | Scotland | Venue TBC
Saturday, 18 July | Wales | Venue TBC
Saturday, 22 August | First Test – New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 29 August | Second Test – New Zealand at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, 5 September | Third Test – New Zealand at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday, 12 September | Fourth Test – New Zealand | Venue TBC
Weekend of 6-8 November | Italy | Venue TBC
Weekend of 13-15 November | France | Venue TBC
Saturday, 21 November | Ireland | Venue TBC
Easy trips for expats
For South Africans living in the UK and Europe, those November Tests are within easy reach.
Rome is a two-hour flight from London and makes for a brilliant weekend away.
Paris is even closer on the Eurostar, and Dublin is just over an hour by air.
Three chances to see the Springboks without the long-haul flight home.