Springbok World Rankings History: The Rise to Number One 

From the iconic win in 1995 to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, the Springboks have proven why they’re legendary. Their journey from international isolation to global domination is one of rugby’s greatest success stories. They’ve built a reputation of excellence, resilience, and dominance on rugby’s biggest stage.  

But how did South Africa rise to such greatness in the world of rugby, and do these rankings even matter?  

Let’s explore the history of the Springboks in the World Rugby rankings and look at why these rankings do in fact matter.  

What Are the World Rugby Rankings and How Does It Work? 

The World Rugby Rankings are used to measure the strength of international rugby union teams. It was introduced in 2003 ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The rankings provide an objective way of comparing nations based on their recent performances.  

Ranking points are continuously updated after international matches. It uses a points-exchange system where teams gain or lose points after every test match. The number of points exchanged is dependent on the result and ranking difference between the teams.  

So, beating a higher-ranking team gives your nation more points. The same is true for the reverse. Losing to a lower-ranking team means you get points deducted. Rugby World Cup matches carry double the weight due to their significance.  

South Africa’s Ranking Journey  

Following South Africa’s return to international rugby in 1992, the Springboks were able to quickly re-establish themselves as one of the world’s elites. This led them to their historic win in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.  

Since then, the Springboks have become one of rugby’s most competitive nations. They have successfully taken on New Zealand, Australia, England, and France.  

However, their rise to number one was a slow journey. They reached the number one ranking under Jake White in 2007. This period was defined by stars such as John Smit, Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, and Bryan Habana.  

It was within this context that they won the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Here, they established themselves as the world’s best team.  

But what was once a great team declined between 2015 and 2018. Many believe this was due to inconsistent performances and coaching changes. This dark period in Springbok history reached its peak in 2017 when they lost 58-0 to New Zealand.  

Be that as it may, everything changed in 2018 when Rassie Erasmus took charge. Within 18 months, South Africa won its third Rugby World Cup title. The Springboks have dominated ever since and reclaimed their spot amongst the rugby elite, winning their fourth Rugby World Cup title in 2023.  

Key Players Behind South Africa’s Rise 

Several generations of players have contributed to the Springboks’ ranking success. But none quite so much as the players who contributed to their back-to-back World Cup wins. Although still playing, their names have been etched in the book of legends.  

Siya Kolisi 

As the first Black captain of the Springboks, Siya Kolisi became a symbol for modern South African rugby. His leadership during the victories at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups helped unite the nation. He’s so much more than a captain; he’s a modern rugby legend.  

Eben Etzebeth 

For more than a decade, Eben Etzebeth has been regarded as one of the greatest rugby locks. He’s the cornerstone of South Africa’s forward dominance. His ability to win collisions, disrupt opposition lineouts, and deliver in high-pressure matches has been crucial to South Africa’s success.  

Handre Pollard 

Some of South Africa’s biggest victories can be attributed to Handre Pollard’s accurate kicking and game management. His composure in high-pressure moments has been crucial to many Springbok wins.  

Cheslin Kolbe 

Known for his speed, creativity, and ability to change matches quickly, Cheslin Kolbe has become one of rugby’s greats. His performances at an international level have helped the Springboks maintain their standings as one of the world’s top-ranked teams.  

Pieter-Steph du Toit 

As a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit is known for his defense and physical presence. His work ethic and consistency are like no other. He has been a driving force behind the Springboks’ success rate. 

Why the Springbok’s Consistently Rank So Highly 

A key factor behind the Springboks’ consistency and success is their access to South Africa’s vast talent pool. Unlike many other nations who rely on foreign-born players qualifying through ancestry or residency, the South African squad is from within its own rugby system.  

This has allowed the Springboks to build their identity around dominant scrums, lineouts, and physical ball carrying. More than this, the Springboks are adaptable. They are able to change their approach depending on their opponent.  

As such, under Erasmus’ coaching, the Springboks have developed a reputation for delivering their best performances in major tournaments.  

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Since 2023, the Springboks have maintained their number one world ranking. This ranking gives South Africa an advantage going into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It also adds a layer of pressure for rivals in the Rugby Championship.  

But this ranking and maintenance of the number one spot have been decades in the making. It reflects years of hard work and world-class talent, as winning four World Cup titles is no easy task.  

So, the real question with the Rugby Championship season beginning soon is, can the Springboks maintain their ranking? 

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