The Springboks and All Blacks will write a fresh chapter in their storied rivalry on Saturday, with not only series honours but also a slice of World Rugby rankings history at stake. South Africa head into the FNB Stadium decider clinging to a 0.54-point advantage at the summit, the narrowest of margins after a fortnight of see-sawing supremacy that has seen the top spot change hands twice already.
Rassie Erasmus' side surrendered their number one ranking when they fell to defeat in the series opener at Ellis Park, only to reclaim it seven days later with victory in Cape Town. Now, should New Zealand prevail in Soweto, it would mark the first occasion since the rankings were introduced in October 2003 that three consecutive weekends have produced three different number one teams—a testament to the razor-thin margins separating the game's two heavyweights.
All Blacks' Soweto Record
History favours the visitors at this particular venue. New Zealand have won both previous encounters at FNB Stadium, triumphing 29–22 in 2010 and 32–16 in 2012, and any margin of victory on Saturday will be sufficient to reclaim top spot. A win by more than 15 points would hand them a 2.62-point cushion at the summit. For South Africa, victory by fewer than 15 points would extend their lead to 2.43 rating points, while a larger margin would push the gap to 3.38. A draw would see the Springboks retain first place, albeit with a 0.05-point deduction.
Neither side can finish the weekend lower than second, underscoring the gulf between the top two and the chasing pack. The permutations reflect not only the quality of the contest but also the broader narrative of a rivalry that continues to define Test rugby's upper echelon.
Wider Rankings Picture
Elsewhere, Argentina and Australia meet again with seventh place on the line. Victory for the Pumas would see them reclaim the position they surrendered following last weekend's defeat in Jujuy, while Australia require a win by more than 15 points to leapfrog Scotland into sixth. In Niigata, Japan host Canada in a fixture where the Brave Blossoms cannot improve their rating due to the 14.99-point gap between the sides, though Canada could rise as high as 21st with a sizeable upset.
For South Africa, the stakes extend beyond rankings points. A series victory would affirm their status as the game's pre-eminent force and provide crucial momentum ahead of the Rugby Championship. For New Zealand, a win would not only secure a share of the spoils but also reaffirm their credentials after a turbulent period of transition. The stage is set for another instalment in rugby's greatest rivalry, with history waiting to be made.