Home defeat proves costly as Boks slide to third spot in rankings

THE SPRINGBOKS have suffered a significant blow to their standing in world rugby, slipping from the coveted No.1 position to third place in the World Rugby Rankings following a stunning 38-22 defeat to Australia in the opening round of The Rugby Championship. 

In case you’re wondering how that happened, World Rugby rankings use a points system where teams gain or lose marks after every Test. Beating a higher-ranked side earns more points, while losing to a lower-ranked team costs you heavily. Home advantage is also factored in — so defeats at home are punished more harshly. 

That’s why the Springboks slipped three places after their loss to the Wallabies.

The reigning world champions, who had held the top spot for nine months, were leapfrogged by New Zealand – who played out of their skins against Los Pumas in Argentina – now No.1, and Ireland, who now sit at No.2.

The calamitous result for the Boks occurred on Saturday, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, where they squandered a commanding 22-5 half-time lead against a resurgent Australia. This marked a bitter pill for South Africa, being their first home loss to the Wallabies in 12 years and their first defeat at Ellis Park to Australia since 1963. 

Post-match, South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus did not mince words, labelling his side’s display “dog s***”, while captain Siya Kolisi apologised to fans for what he called an “unacceptable” performance. 

The defeat also carries significant implications for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, where the top six teams will be placed in the first seeding pot. Australia, whose head coach Joe Schmidt called the win "a big step forward for us," climbed to sixth in the rankings, significantly closer to England and France.

Boks aim to 'correct wrongs' amid injury woes 

Determined to correct the wrongs that led to their humbling defeat, the Springboks are gearing up for a crucial return clash against the Wallabies this coming Saturday, August 23, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. 

Utility back Canan Moodie echoed Erasmus’s sentiments, stating that the team is “extremely disappointed, and we are hurting, but ... we know what we have to do.” 

Erasmus added that the mood in the camp, though embarrassed and disappointed, would make them tighter as a team. Prop Ox Nche also expressed visible disappointment, emphasising the need to “bounce back strongly”. 

Significant injury list, but good news too

However, the Boks face a challenging week with a significant injury list. Captain Siya Kolisi has been ruled out for four weeks with a knee injury, potentially missing the tour to New Zealand. Also sidelined are Pieter-Steph du Toit (concussion) and wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse (knee) and Edwill van der Merwe (ankle). 

In Kolisi's absence, Jesse Kriel will lead the Boks.

On a more positive note, the squad welcomes back experienced players. Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende have recovered from niggles, with Kolbe expected to fill a wing spot and De Allende returning to the midfield. 

The match kicks off at 5.10pm and promises to be a fiery encounter as the Springboks look to reassert their dominance and reclaim lost ground in the Rugby Championship.