The final World Rugby rankings for 2024 reveal that the All Blacks are trailing the Springboks by almost two and a half points. This reflects a notable shift in the power dynamics of world rugby. Despite the close margin of just one point separating the two teams in last year’s Rugby World Cup final, the Springboks have demonstrated clear dominance over their rivals. This is particularly evident in their four consecutive victories against New Zealand in their most recent encounters.
Several factors have contributed to this shift, but a widely held view is that the dissolution of the Super Rugby partnership among southern hemisphere teams has negatively impacted New Zealand and Australian rugby. This perspective was emphasized by a former Springbok captain in an interview, where he discussed the advantages New Zealand once enjoyed during the Super Rugby era.
He explained that during the Super Rugby years, New Zealand benefitted from hosting teams from South Africa, Australia, and other regions. This dynamic, he argued, helped bolster their rugby strength, particularly through the competitive challenge South African teams brought. With the partnership dissolved, New Zealand and Australia lack the intensity and physicality that South African teams once provided, which some believe has diminished their sharpness in high-pressure matches like the Rugby World Cup.
The former player also noted that this absence is felt particularly in the lead-up to major tournaments, where teams may lack exposure to the robust playing style South African teams offer. The physicality and intensity of South African rugby players, he suggested, used to prepare New Zealand players better for global competition. Now, going for extended periods without facing such competition may leave New Zealand less battle-hardened.
The latest World Rugby rankings reflect this evolving dynamic, with the Springboks occupying the top spot ahead of the All Blacks. These rankings and the broader performance trends have sparked widespread discussion among rugby enthusiasts about the changing landscape of thesport.