South Africa set to end 2024 on top of world rankings

South Africa’s 45-12 win over Wales in Cardiff makes it impossible for them to be overtaken at the top of the world rankings before the year is out.

The Springboks have been in first place in 2024 for all but six weeks, when Ireland held sway, and will enter 2025 looking down on the rest.

Second-placed Ireland have another game to play, against Australia at the Aviva Stadium next weekend, but the home side won’t be able to wipe off the two-point deficit between themselves and the Springboks

New Zealand will be hoping for a favour from Australia as a defeat for Ireland would result in the All Blacks taking second place off Andy Farrell’s men.

There was very little change to the top 20 of the rankings, despite a full round of Autumn Nations Series fixtures, with Uruguay the only team to improve their position thanks to their 23-21 win away to Romania.

World Rankings Top 10 (officially updated at 12 noon on Monday)

1. South Africa (92.78)
2. Ireland (90.78)
3. New Zealand (90.36)
4. France (88.51)
5. Argentina (84.97)
6. Scotland (83.34)
7. England (82.31)
8. Australia (81.52)
9. Fiji (80.07)
10. Italy (78.64)