Springboks can nudge world rankings lead over All Blacks with win against Scotland

South Africa have a rare chance to extend their lead at the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings when they host Scotland at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria on Saturday, despite their 45-21 demolition of England in the Nations Championship opener yielding zero ranking points.

The exchange-based rankings system means the reward for any given victory depends on the gap between the two sides before kick-off. South Africa’s dominance has worked against them: since climbing to number one last September, they have picked up ranking points in only three of their eight Tests — away wins over Ireland (0.88) and France (0.86) in November, and a Rugby Championship victory over Argentina (0.58). That trio of results added a combined 2.32 points to their tally, while wins over Japan, Italy, Wales, and now England have all drawn a blank.

Scotland’s recent victory over Argentina has nudged them closer to South Africa in the standings, which is precisely why Saturday’s match opens a window. A Springbok win by more than 15 points would move their score from 93.94 to 93.97 — modest, but meaningful at the summit.

The match also marks a milestone for head coach Rassie Erasmus, who takes charge for a record-breaking 55th time. Scotland have toured South Africa seven times and lost on every occasion, and Loftus Versveld — where the Springboks’ home winning record stands at 79% — represents one of rugby’s most formidable fortresses. The last time Scotland left Pretoria with a win was in 2018.

Elsewhere in the rankings picture this weekend, New Zealand face no prospect of movement against Italy, who sit eight places and 13.73 points below them. Third-placed Ireland are similarly unable to improve their score against a Japanese side outside the world’s top ten.

Further down the table, England could slip to eighth if they lose to Fiji at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, provided Argentina beat Wales and Australia defeat France in the same round of fixtures.