How Springboks Thrashed All Blacks to Stay No. 1 in World Rugby Rankings
The Springboks have once again proven why they are world champions, crushing the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington in a performance that stunned home fans and cemented their place at the top of the World Rugby rankings. The result marked South Africa’s biggest-ever win over New Zealand on Kiwi soil and sent a powerful message to the rest of the Rugby Championship contenders.
Springboks vs All Blacks: A Rivalry Transformed
For years, New Zealand dominated rugby’s greatest rivalry, often dictating terms and leaving South Africa to celebrate occasional wins. That has changed dramatically under Rassie Erasmus. Since 2021, the Springboks have won seven of their last 10 meetings against the All Blacks, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris.
The turning point came in Townsville in 2021, when the Boks edged a gritty 31-29 win to snap a frustrating losing streak. Built on ferocious defence, pinpoint tactical kicking, and relentless breakdown pressure, that match laid the foundation for the Boks’ current run of success.
Consistency and Momentum Since 2022
South Africa’s confidence grew in 2022, highlighted by a 26-10 Rugby Championship victory in Mbombela where the All Blacks were dominated physically. Although New Zealand levelled the series a week later, the Boks had shown they could control matches home or away.
Their dominance peaked in 2023 – first with a record 35-7 demolition at Twickenham in a World Cup warm-up, then with a nail-biting 12-11 win in the Rugby World Cup final. That fourth Webb Ellis Cup confirmed the Boks as rugby’s new standard-bearers.
Also read: World Rugby Rankings: Springboks Eye No.1 Spot After All Blacks Test
Wellington Masterclass in 2025
Saturday’s clash at the Cake Tin was a showcase of modern Springbok rugby. Six tries, a watertight defensive wall, and superb impact from the bench left New Zealand reeling. Damian Willemse starred with a crucial try and a match-saving tackle on Ardie Savea, while Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok controlled territory with precision kicking.
The Bok pack set the platform, dominating scrums and lineouts to give the backline front-foot ball. Their intensity never dipped, proving that squad rotation under Erasmus is paying off and that depth across the team remains a major strength.
Rassie Erasmus’ Winning Formula
Erasmus and his coaching team have successfully blended brutal forward power with a more adventurous attack under Tony Brown. The result is a Springbok side that can win with muscle or flair – a nightmare for opponents.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, are under pressure to find answers. They were outmuscled up front, outkicked tactically, and looked short on ideas with ball in hand. With three Tests against South Africa looming in 2026, the challenge to regain supremacy is immense.
Rugby Championship Still in Play
The victory not only secured the Freedom Cup for a second year running but also kept the Springboks firmly in the Rugby Championship title race. “We knew scoring those last two tries was crucial to keep us in contention,” Willemse said after the game. “We’ll enjoy this one but focus quickly on Argentina – they’ll be another big test.”
The Boks now return home to prepare for back-to-back Tests against Los Pumas – first in Durban and then at Twickenham – knowing two more strong performances could seal the Championship.
Also read: Springboks Coach Rassie Erasmus Maps Out Challenging 2025 Season
A Statement to the Rugby World
The Springboks’ record-breaking win in Wellington was more than just another result – it was a declaration of intent. Seven victories from the last 10 clashes against the All Blacks have flipped rugby’s greatest rivalry on its head. With South Africa sitting atop the world rankings once again, it’s clear the Boks are not just defending champions – they are setting the standard for everyone else.
