World Rugby rankings history will be made on Saturday if the All Blacks beat the Springboks at FNB Stadium.
New Zealand will return to the summit regardless of their winning margin if they take a 2-1 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
It would mark the first time since the rankings were introduced in October 2003 that the No 1 team has changed in three consecutive weeks.
History is also on the All Blacks’ side at FNB Stadium, where they have won on both of their previous visits – 29-22 in 2010 and 32-16 in 2012.
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A Bok victory on Saturday would strengthen their grip on top spot. A win by 15 points or fewer would give them a 2.43-point advantage over New Zealand, while a victory by more than 15 would increase the gap to 3.38 points.
Should the All Blacks win by more than 15 points, they would move 2.62 rating points clear at the summit.
A draw would also be enough for the Boks to retain the No 1 ranking, although they would lose 0.05 rating points.
Regardless of Saturday’s result, the two rivals are guaranteed to occupy the top two positions in the rankings heading into the final Test of the series in Baltimore.
World Rugby rankings (Top 10)
1. South Africa 93.39
2. New Zealand 92.85
3. Ireland 88.08
4. France 87.43
5. England 85.68
6. Scotland 84.78
7. Australia 83.71
8. Argentina 82.08
9. Fiji 78.00
10. Wales 76.38
Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
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