Springboks dominate Nations Championship rankings
Springboks dominate Nations Championship rankings
The Springboks have been identified as the top team in the world following the Southern Hemisphere leg of the 2026 Nations Championship. The team secured three victories, utilising 43 different players and introducing six debutants. Their performance included scoring over 40 points in each of their three matches, while conceding 49 points across the tournament.
South Africa defeated England 45-21 at Ellis Park, then overcame Scotland 42-28 at Loftus Versfeld, and concluded with a victory against Wales in Durban. The team’s approach under Rassie Erasmus involved significant player rotation, with 10 changes made after the win against England, yet they still secured a victory at Loftus. This strategy highlighted the depth of the Springbok squad.
Pieter-Steph du Toit was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances across three different roles, including playing as an emergency lock and captaining the side at Ellis Park. He also set the defensive tone in the Durban match. Paul de Villiers was recognised as the Breakthrough of the Series, starting all three Tests after learning he would play just an hour before the first round kick-off.
Former England internationals select their Nations Championship XV
Former England players Ben Youngs and Anthony Watson have selected their dream team from the initial three rounds of the Nations Championship. Their selection features seven Springbok players, with no All Blacks included.
The chosen backs include Damian Willemse at fullback, who delivered an all-round performance against England and was later moved to midfield against Scotland. Cheslin Kolbe, selected on the wing, scored against England, including a try and five conversions. Jesse Kriel, at outside centre, scored in all three of his matches, with a crucial try against Scotland. Sione Tuipulotu of Scotland is named at inside centre, having scored two tries against Argentina and gaining 72 metres from 14 carries against the Springboks. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is on the other wing, having gained 99 metres from 11 carries against Argentina and beating 12 defenders. Matthieu Jalibert is at flyhalf, having orchestrated play against New Zealand and shown dynamism against Australia and Japan. Maxime Lucu is the scrumhalf, noted for his ability to handle messy ball and scoring two tries.
The forwards selected include Ellis Genge at loosehead prop, recognised for his scrum work and power in carrying, scoring a try against the Springboks. Malcolm Marx, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, is at hooker, scoring a try and dominating contact against England. Joe Heyes, at tighthead prop, made 20 tackles against Argentina and was strong in the scrum. The second row features Ruan Nortje, known for his work rate, and Emmanuel Meafou, who scored the opening try against Australia. In the back row, Pieter-Steph du Toit is at blindside flanker, praised for his high work rate and lineout responsibilities. Fraser McReight is at openside flanker, contributing significantly to the Wallabies’ ruck work and tackle percentage. Jasper Wiese is at number eight, scoring a try against Wales and making powerful carries.
The Springboks‘ strong showing in the Nations Championship has positioned them at the top of the power rankings, with New Zealand in second place after a strong start to the Dave Rennie era, and France in third, demonstrating depth despite missing several key players. Ireland, Scotland, and England follow, with Australia, Argentina, Japan, and Wales completing the top ten.
The South Africa versus Scotland match at Loftus Versfeld on July 11 was highlighted as the Game of the Series, with South Africa winning 42-28 after a competitive final 10 minutes.
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Source: planetrugby.com
