Bok captain Siya Kolisi insists his charges are treating Japan with respect
Springbok talisman Siya Kolisi is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits them when they take the field against Japan on Saturday.
World rankings permutations as Boks lead South against North in key internationals
World Rugby has released the ranking permutations for this weekend's action across Europe and North America, and the maths says the gap between the Boks and Japan is simply too big to budge. The difference sits at 18.95 points, which means a Springbok win at Wembley won't earn them any extra rating points and they'll stay on 92.20 regardless of their margin of victory.
While that's not ideal for the Boks, neither the All Blacks nor Ireland - who square off in Chicago - can hit No 1 unless Japan somehow pull off another 'Miracle of Brighton' or hold the Boks to a draw. Even with victories, Ireland can only climb to 91.36, while New Zealand top out at 91.49 with a win of more than 15 points.
If, however, South Africa are held to a draw, then the Chicago winner would need to win by more than 15 to leapfrog into top spot. And if the Boks lose, then whoever comes out on top at Soldier Field automatically becomes the new No 1.
There's plenty of movement possible elsewhere. A Japan draw would bump them into the second band of seeds for the 2027 World Cup draw, pushing Wales down to 13th. A Brave Blossoms win would lift them to 11th, nudging Georgia down a spot.
Ireland can jump into second place if they repeat their famous 2016 Chicago win over the All Blacks. As for New Zealand, with fourth-placed France not playing this weekend, the men in black can't fall lower than third even in defeat.
Australia have a shot at cracking the top six if they avoid defeat against England, overtaking Argentina in the process. A win by more than 15 would also push them past England into fifth.
England, meanwhile, will climb to fourth if they beat the Wallabies - who will stay seventh regardless of how rough things get in Sydney. Scotland can't make up ground on them even with a win over the USA, thanks to their big rating advantage and home conditions.
Latest World Rugby Rankings (As of 27/10/2025)
1. South Africa 92.20
2. New Zealand 90.02
3. Ireland 89.83
4. France 87.82
5. England 87.64
6. Argentina 83.82
7. Australia 82.93
8. Scotland 81.57
9. Fiji 81.16
10. Italy 77.77
11. Georgia 74.69
12. Wales 74.05
13. Japan 73.61
14. Spain 69.12
15. USA 67.40
16. Samoa 66.94
17. Chile 66.72
18. Tonga 66.66
19. Uruguay 66.59
20. Portugal 66.44
No guarantees on game time, says Erasmus, as Boks favour continuity in November
Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that winning is the priority on the Boks' November tour, and not every squad member is guaranteed minutes.
Eddie Jones reveals his Brave Blossoms to face all-conquering Boks
There is a South African flavour to the Japan team that will do battle against the Springboks at Wembley this Saturday.
Jack Crowley gets the nod as Ireland and All Blacks name teams for Chicago showdown
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has revealed his matchday 23 for their massive clash against the All Blacks in Chicago, with Jack Crowley getting the nod at 10 over Sam Prendergast.