The Springboks have stretched their lead atop the latest World Rugby rankings – despite not having played a Test for over a year.
The Springboks took the No 1 ranking after clinching last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan on November 2.
NO INDICATION WHEN SPRINGBOKS WILL NEXT PLAY
Fast forward 12 months – and a week to be precise – and the Springboks still find themselves looking down on the rest of the world.
Following the All Blacks’ shock 24-22 defeat to Australia in their Tri-Nations clash in Brisbane last Saturday, the Springboks have actually increased their lead in the rankings.
Jacques Nienaber’s men have 94.20 points, with the second-placed All Blacks slipping to 90.17 from their total of 91.12 the weekend prior.
That gives the Springboks a healthy 4.03 advantage with no indication as to when they might next be in action.
Australia increased their points tally from 82.91 to 83.86, but remained in sixth place in the rankings.
Fixtures are coming thick and fast in the weeks ahead with the new Autumn Nations Cup kicking off on Friday with a match between Ireland and Wales in Dublin.
The All Blacks and Argentina will do battle in the next Tri-Nations clash at the Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta on Saturday.
We wait with baited breath to hear when the Springboks will next be in action with their British & Irish Lions series starting in a little over eight months.
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