New Zealand have leapfrogged both South Africa and Ireland to take the No. 1 spot in the World Rugby Rankings following the opening round of The Rugby Championship. Scott Robertson’s side earned a 41-24 win over Argentina in Córdoba on Saturday, a result that lifted them to 92.51 points in the standings.

It is the first time since November 2021 that the All Blacks have occupied the top ranking.

The shift at the summit came after the Springboks suffered a stunning collapse in Johannesburg. South Africa, reigning world champions and nine-month holders of the No. 1 position, squandered a 22-0 lead to lose 38-22 to a resurgent Australia. The defeat cost them three rating points, dropping them to 89.78 and pushing them into third place, just behind Ireland, who now sit second at 89.83 despite being idle this weekend.

For South Africa, the defeat was a bitter pill. It marked their first home loss to the Wallabies in 12 years and their first defeat at Ellis Park to Australia since 1963. Head coach Rassie Erasmus did not mince words afterwards, labelling his side’s display “dog ***,” while captain Siya Kolisi apologised to fans for what he called an “unacceptable” performance.

The result has major implications beyond pride. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw scheduled later this year, the top six teams will be placed in the first seeding pot. Australia’s win not only revived their Rugby Championship hopes but also consolidated their place in that top tier. The Wallabies climbed to 85.08 points, still sixth, but significantly closer to England (87.64) and France (87.82).

“This is a big step forward for us,” Australia head coach Joe Schmidt said. “We showed resilience to claw back from a poor start and prove that we can beat the very best.”

Argentina, meanwhile, lost ground in the rankings despite flashes of defiance against the All Blacks. Los Pumas dropped to 81.61 points but cling to seventh, only 0.03 points ahead of Scotland. Fiji (80.50) and Italy (77.77) round out the top 10.

Robertson, in his first Rugby Championship as All Blacks head coach, insisted his team’s rise to No. 1 would not change their focus.

“It’s actually something we just learned, because you just told us,” Robertson said post-match when asked about reclaiming top spot. “Look, it shows how tough Test footy is and the margins. Argentina were great tonight and defended really, really well. A moment, discipline, a card, great play — two or three tries back to back can turn Test matches. We’re pleased we’re No. 1, but our sights are set on next week’s match, rather than rankings.”

Round Two promises even more intrigue. South Africa will host the Wallabies in Cape Town, desperate to avoid consecutive home defeats, while Argentina welcome New Zealand to Buenos Aires in a bid to halt the All Blacks’ surge.

For now, though, New Zealand sit atop world rugby once again, with South Africa left to pick up the pieces of a humbling defeat.

World Rugby Rankings (Top 10):

New Zealand – 92.51

Ireland – 89.83

South Africa – 89.78

France – 87.82

England – 87.64

Australia – 85.08

Argentina – 81.61

Scotland – 81.57

Fiji – 80.50

Italy – 77.77

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