Here is the updated standing of the Springboks in the world rugby rankings after their dominant win in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.
The Springboks secured the Rugby Championship title in spectacular fashion, delivering a resounding 48-7 victory over Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday evening.
From the outset, the result was never in question, with South Africa storming ahead early in the match. It also served as the ideal response following last weekend’s surprising loss to Argentina.
However, despite the impressive win, the Springboks were unable to reclaim the top spot in the world rankings. The victory did not affect their ranking due to the 7.47-point difference between the two teams, even before considering the home advantage.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand also failed to improve their rating despite comfortably beating Australia.
As a result, Ireland remains at the top of the rankings. Nonetheless, this does not diminish the Springboks’ celebrations after their Rugby Championship triumph.
Match Summary
Just like in last weekend’s encounter in Argentina, the Springboks started the match at a blistering pace, quickly establishing a 14-0 lead within the first 14 minutes, thanks to two thrilling tries by Aphelele Fassi and Pieter-Steph du Toit, supported by South Africa’s dominant scrum.
Argentina, to their credit, responded around the 20-minute mark with a try of their own. However, Fassi’s second try, along with a penalty goal from Jaden Hendrikse – who took on the kicking duties for the day – pushed South Africa further ahead, 22-7.
The already ecstatic crowd erupted when Cheslin Kolbe scored a signature try just three minutes before the halftime whistle, extending the Springboks’ lead.
While the second half began at a slower pace, the Springboks closed out the game as strongly as they started, adding three more tries to seal their emphatic victory.
