Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the World Rugby rankings assume greater importance for his team this year.
In 2024, the Boks ended the year at No 1 for the sixth time since the rankings were introduced in 2003, and the fifth time in the past six years.
In 2025, the rankings will really matter, with the draw for the expanded 24-team 2027 World Cup set to take place in December, after the Autumn Nations Series. The rankings will be used to determine the top seeds for the draw.
The Boks currently have 92.78 ranking points, with New Zealand second on 90.36. Ireland’s 42-25 loss to France in Dublin on Saturday saw them slip to third (89.71) with France close behind them in fourth (89.51).
South Africa are set to play 15 Tests this year, as well as a match against the Barbarians that won’t count towards the rankings.
“The World Cup is a bit different than before. There are six groups of four teams each and a round of 16, which can be very difficult,” Erasmus told Rapport. “It’s important where you finish at the end of the year [in the world rankings].”
Erasmus said he planned to manage his older players’ workload in 2025 while blooding several youngsters.
“We don’t want to leave someone out now because he might not make it to 2027, but he is still number one or two in his position at the moment.
“We may only have to play him in a third or half of the matches and give the young guys enough playing time to be ready in 2027.
“And at the same time, we have to strive to keep winning.”
