Wayward Springboks slump to historic low ranking
Despite the optimism of a new coach in Rassie Erasmus, the national team continues to look like it's in a freefall.
Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain) of South Africa is interviewed after the International match between South Africa and Wales at RFK Stadium on June 02, 2018 in Washington, United States of America. Wales won 22-20. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Gallo Images)
Following their 22-20 defeat to Wales in Washington DC on Saturday, South Africa have dropped to an all-time low at seventh in the World Rugby Rankings.
The victory for the Welsh was their third consecutive win over the Springboks and was worth 1.05 rating points – enough to lift them above the Springboks and Scotland into fifth place, their highest ranking since February last year.
South Africa, who fielded seven debutants in an experimental starting line-up, dropped one spot from last week’s position of sixth.
Tries from Hallam Amos and debutant Tomos Williams helped Wales into a 14-3 lead at the break, but South Africa fought back strongly and Travis Ismaiel and Makazole Mapimpi scored to put them in the ascendancy.
However, replacement Robert du Preez gifted Wales the win when his clearance kick was charged down and the ball fell kindly to Elias.
Wales now travel to Argentina for two tests against Los Pumas, on June 9 and 16, while South Africa face England at home in a three-test series.
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