South Africa may well be in command at the top of the World Rugby rankings, but their game against Ireland will likely determine how big that lead is going to be heading into 2026.
Of course, successive defeats at the end of this November series will see Rassie Erasmus’ men replaced at the summit but it is difficult to see Wales upsetting the applecart next weekend.
The Springboks therefore seem set to remain in the lead going into 2026, but this weekend will tell us how big it will be.
At the moment, they are almost three points ahead of the
