The Springboks have risen to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings following their 37-14 win over France in Pretoria on Saturday.
Late last year, the Springboks slumped to their lowest-ever position, seventh, since the inception of the rankings, after defeats to England, Italy and Wales in November.
The rankings demotion proved costly earlier this year for the Springboks, as they were categorised in the second seed grouping for the 2019 World Cup draw. They were eventually drawn in the same pool as the All Blacks, who headed up the top seed grouping.
On Saturday, Allister Coetzee’s team started the 2017 international season off with a comfortable four-try victory against a disorganised French side at Loftus, and the result was enough to lift them two spots, from seventh to fifth. South Africa’s ranking was increased by 1.08 points from 81.79 to 82.87 rating points.
The Boks’ elevation up the rankings comes at the expense of France and Scotland, who dropped to eighth and sixth respectively.
But because France suffered a 1.08 rating points deduction and a two-spot relegation, Wales move up to seventh, despite not playing in week one of the June internationals.
Japan’s rating points were increased by 0.29 of a point, following their 33-21 win against Romania, but they remain in 11th position.
Lower down, Namibia suffered a 0.97 of a point decrease, which saw them drop to 20th in the rankings, while Russia climbed to 19th.
World Rugby rankings (Top 20)
1. New Zealand 94.78
2. England 89.53
3. Australia 86.35
4. Ireland 84.66
5. South Africa 82.87
6. Scotland 82.18
7. Wales 81.36
8. France 80.92
9. Argentina 79.91
10. Fiji 76.46
11. Japan 74.52
12. Georgia 72.92
13. Tonga 71.94
14. Samoa 71.25
15. Italy 71.17
16. Romania 69.86
17. USA 66.79
18. Spain 64.02
19. Russia 62.40
20. Namibia 61.80
