Boks on top of the world
South Africans’ pride is at bursting point after our rugby heroes showed the world why we deserve to be called the best of the best.
The Springboks are back up to number one in World Rugby’s Test rankings for the first time in 15 months after they broke France’s hearts at the world cup.
The reigning world champions finally broke Ireland’s 15-month reign at the top of World Rugby’s rankings, following the epic world cup quarter-finals.
Ireland’s 28-24 defeat to the All Blacks in Saturday’s Stade de France classic meant that Andy Farrell’s side surrendered their number-one status to the Boks. Ireland have dropped two places to third with the triumphant All Blacks moving up to second.
South Africa, who ejected hosts France from their own party with a breathtaking 29-28 win in an equally epic Saint-Denis quarter-final, have climbed up to first, 1.57 points ahead of New Zealand.
The Springboks now have a rating of 92.48 points compared with New Zealand’s 90.91, and Ireland is third on 90.57.
A crestfallen Les Bleus have dropped a couple of places to fourth in defeat, on 87.81 points, with England coming next in fifth after they moved up a place at Scotland’s expense thanks to their 30-24 win over Fiji.
England and Argentina have a shot at making history as no team outside of the top four of the rankings at the tournament’s start has gone on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Read original story on www.sarugbymag.co.za