The world's top two ranked teams will meet in Johannesburg in the first of four Tests, with South Africa ranked No. 1 and New Zealand No. 2.
The All Blacks have an impressive record at Ellis Park and can reclaim the No. 1 ranking for the first time since August 2025 with victory over the Springboks.
Any win will be enough for New Zealand to move to the top, while South Africa will retain their position with a draw or better, adding an extra layer of significance to an already highly anticipated clash.
The rankings were finalised on Saturday after Australia beat Japan 57-17 in Townsville in Les Kiss' second match in charge of the Wallabies.
The Wallabies gained 0.58 ranking points but remained seventh, while Japan lost the same amount but held on to 12th. As a result, the top 20 remains unchanged heading into next weekend's blockbuster.
Australia will now travel to Argentina for back-to-back Tests against Los Pumas.
They can move above Argentina in the rankings if they beat Los Pumas at Estadio 23 de Agosto. The Wallabies would rise no higher than seventh, with Argentina dropping to eighth.
Argentina, meanwhile, will remain seventh with any victory. Even a win by more than 15 points would not be enough to overtake sixth-placed Scotland.
Latest World Rugby rankings
1 South Africa 93.96
2 New Zealand 92.28
3 Ireland 88.08
4 France 87.43
5 England 85.68
6 Scotland 84.78
7 Argentina 83.13
8 Australia 82.67 (+0.58)
9 Fiji 78.00
10 Wales 76.38
11 Italy 76.30
12 Japan 75.36 (-0.58)
Rassie Erasmus says the anticipated wet weather, and Handre Pollard's familiarity with the Cape conditions, prompted him to select the two-time World Cup winner for Saturday's All Blacks rematch.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen admitted his side are a little undercooked for their Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour match against the All Blacks but believes the occasion will help elevate their performance.
Rassie Erasmus has taken responsibility for a number of tactical errors that cost the Springboks dearly in the opening Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.
Springboks Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche both earn career milestones in the second Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks in Cape Town this Saturday.
