All Blacks reclaim World No.1 ranking

by The TRU Team Saturday 22 August 2026

New Zealand have overtaken South Africa at the top of the world rugiby rankings followng their 33-16 victory at Ellis Park

©PA

New Zealand have overtaken South Africa at the top of the world rugby rankings following their 33-16 victory over the Springboks in the opening Greatest Rivalry Test at Ellis Park.

All Blacks rise to world No.1

The victory earned the All Blacks 1.75 ranking points, taking their rating to 94.03 and moving them above South Africa.

The Springboks lost 1.75 points and drop to second on 92.21, ending their spell at the top of the rankings.

The updated rankings are due to be officially published by World Rugby on Monday, August 24.

Springboks can reclaim top spot

South Africa will have an opportunity to respond when the teams meet again at DHL Stadium in Cape Town next weekend.

A Springbok victory could change the order at the top once again, with the ranking impact dependent on the result and winning margin.

World Rugby Rankings:

New Zealand – 94.03
South Africa – 92.21
Ireland – 88.08
France – 87.43
England – 85.68
Scotland – 84.78
Argentina – 83.13
Australia – 82.67
Fiji – 78.00
Wales – 76.38