The Springbok Women stand on the edge of a historic breakthrough as they prepare to face the USA Women’s Eagles at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Following last weekend,
World Rugby has released the official ranking permutations for the July 11, 2026 rematch, revealing massive implications for both sides.
Head coach Swys de Bruin has named a highly consistent squad, making just one change to the starting line-up with Eloise Webb stepping into the fullback role. The continuity reflects the team's objective: to seal a 2-0 series win and shake up the global hierarchy.
A standard victory by any margin will elevate South Africa to a new historical high, placing it ninth. This outcome would also officially push them ahead of the USA in the international standings. [1]
If the Springbok Women produce a dominant performance and win by more than 15 points, they will bypass ninth completely. A margin that large would catapult them above both Australia and Scotland into seventh place.
The visiting Women’s Eagles find themselves under intense pressure after dropping to ninth following last week's loss. Jack Hanratty's squad is focused on immediate redemption and preserving their standing among rugby's elite.
A victory of any size in Pretoria will allow the USA to instantly take back the eighth-place spot they surrendered to Australia.
A comprehensive bounce-back victory by more than 15 points would do double duty, pushing the Eagles past Scotland as well.
Another defeat would trigger a historical slide. A loss will drop the USA to tenth place, matching the lowest position in the program's history.