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The Springboks will represent South Africa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, starting on 8 September. Photo: SA Rugby website.

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When Springboks can become number one in World Rankings

The Springboks have leapfrogged rivals New Zealand and France. So, here is what the they need to do to become the number one ranked rugby team on the planet.

29-08-23 18:04
Springboks records
The Springboks will represent South Africa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, starting on 8 September. Photo: SA Rugby website.

The Springboks have leapfrogged rivals New Zealand and France. So, here is what the they need to do to become the number one ranked rugby team on the planet.

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The Boks convincing 35-7 win over the All Blacks them overtake NZ and France in the latest World Rugby rankings.

However, Ireland still pip them as they sit atop the World Rugby rankings. We reveal what the Boks need to do to become number one and when it’s likely to happen.

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SPRINGBOKS CAN BECOME NUMBER ONE IN WORLD RANKINGS DURING RUGBY WORLD CUP

Ireland, South Africa, France and New Zealand are neck and neck in the World Rankings heading into the Rugby World Cup.

Therefore, plenty of movement is possible if any of these sides beat one another.

READ: SPRINGBOKS SOAR ABOVE NZ IN LATEST WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS! – UPDATE

Springboks
The Springboks are stronger together. Photo: SA Rugby website.

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Interestingly, France and the All Blacks open the World Cup whilst SA take on Ireland in the group stages.

Meaning, a win for SA over Ireland, by any margin, will see them return to the top of the World Rankings (barring any unlikely upsets).

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The Springboks will have this opportunity when they take on Ireland in Paris on 23 September 2023.

For now though, Jacques Nienaber and the Springboks will turn their attention to their opener against Scotland on 10 September 2023.

NIENABER AND RASSIE FOCUSED ON ONE GAME AT A TIME

For now, their attention is on opening their account with a win over Scotland.

Not World Rankings, Ireland or a potential quarter-final against NZ or France.

READ – SPRINGBOKS: FOUR STARTING SPOTS UP FOR GRABS AHEAD OF RUGBY WORLD CUP

Therefore, Nienaber and Rassie are focusing all their energy into one game at a time. Although, it must be said that player management has been the ultimate balancing act pretty much perfected by Nienaber across the Rugby World Cup warm-ups.