The international rugby scene is buzzing again, and this time it’s not just about who won or lost—it’s about who’s climbing and who’s falling in the latest world rankings.
After a series of exciting July Test matches, there’s been a serious shake-up in the top 10, and the Springboks are no longer sitting quite as comfortably at the summit.
Springboks Still on Top… But Only Just
South Africa’s national team, the Springboks, are still holding onto the number one spot in the world.
They’ve got 92.78 points in the rankings. But here’s the catch—their lead has shrunk. Big time.
The All Blacks from New Zealand are now breathing down their necks, just 0.72 points behind.
Why the sudden tension? Well, the Boks played a few matches in July, but they were against teams ranked significantly lower—Italy (ranked 10th) and Georgia (ranked 11th).
Because of that, South Africa couldn’t really add any meaningful points to their total, even though they won.
All Blacks Gain Ground After France Whitewash
New Zealand, on the other hand, had a massive month. They played and beat France in a dominant 3-0 Test series win.
That victory saw them jump from 90.36 to 92.06 points, gaining 1.70 points overall.
That’s what put them right behind the Springboks and back in serious contention for that number one ranking.
Shuffles in the Rest of the Top 10
The changes didn’t stop with the top two. Argentina took a hit, dropping from fifth to seventh in the rankings after losing both of their Tests to England.
England, thanks to those wins, climbed back up to fifth place.
Australia now sits at sixth, while Scotland was pushed down to eighth.
Fiji held onto ninth place, and Italy rounds out the top 10.
The Updated Rugby World Rankings – As of 30 July 2025
Here’s a look at how the top 10 stack up right now:
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South Africa – 92.78
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New Zealand – 92.06
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Ireland – 89.83
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France – 87.82
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England – 87.64
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Australia – 82.08
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Argentina – 82.05
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Scotland – 81.57
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Fiji – 80.50
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Italy – 77.77
September Showdown Could Decide Rugby’s True Number One
With New Zealand gaining momentum and South Africa holding steady, all eyes are now on the upcoming back-to-back clashes between the Springboks and All Blacks in September. These Tests could very well determine who finishes 2025 as the top-ranked rugby nation on the planet.
So, who’s your pick to end the year on top—South Africa or New Zealand?
Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments or WhatsApp your take to 060 011 0211.
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