Legendary Springboks lock Victor Matfield believes that the current World Rugby rankings are not an accurate reflection of South Africa’s dominance.

Rassie Erasmus’ charges slipped down to second place in the world rankings following their defeat to Los Pumas in Argentina but did not return to the summit after their victory a week later when they won the Rugby Championship.

Rugby is about winning those big games”

Ireland benefitted from the Springboks‘ defeat in round five, returning to the top of the world ranking and will remain in that spot until the start of the Autumn Nations Series in November.

After clinching the Rugby Championship title, Matfield believes that South Africa is the best team in the world right now.

“From a team perspective, the Boks may not be No. 1 in World Rugby’s ranking, but for me we are,” Matfield wrote in his Rapport column.

“Rugby is about winning those big games and trophies, and we do that.”

South Africa have won back-to-back World Cups and won the 2021 British and Irish Lions Series. Erasmus’ side clinched the Rugby Championship title with a 48-7 victory over Argentina, winning the tournament for the first time since 2019.

The northern hemisphere can say what they want”

Matfield believes that the Boks’ tournament underlines their dominance in international rugby.

“We have won all the trophies and cups we played for in the past few years. In my opinion, we are by far the no. 1 team and I don’t think anyone can compete for that spot,” he added.

“Those in the northern hemisphere can say what they want, but the Webb Ellis Cup is here, the Springboks have won the most Tests this season and no other team has beaten the All Blacks four times in a row.”

Ireland have a tricky Autumn Nations Series in November with clashes against the All Blacks, Argentina, Fiji and Australia. A loss in one of those fixtures would likely result in them surrendering the top spot.

Meanwhile, the Springboks will face Scotland and England before finishing their international season against Wales in Cardiff.