New Zealand will return to the number one spot in the World Rugby rankings for the first time since September 2025 if they defeat South Africa in the opening match of the highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The Springboks currently hold a 1.68 rating point advantage over the All Blacks at the summit of world rugby. However, that lead could stretch to a staggering 4.18 points if the world champions secure a dominant victory by more than 15 points on home soil.
Conversely, an equally emphatic New Zealand win by more than 15 points would see the visitors sensationally leapfrog their hosts. This would establish a 1.82-point cushion ahead of the second test in Cape Town.
While the ultimate crown is hanging in the balance, the massive gap to the rest of the chasing pack ensures that neither side can drop below second place regardless of this weekend's explosive result.