Reminder: Where Springboks sit on Rugby Championship log

The Springboks will host the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in their next Rugby Championship match on Saturday, 31 August at 17:00, while Argentina will welcome Australia to La Plata on Sunday, 1 September at midnight (SA time).

From a South African perspective, the good news is that the Springboks are very well placed on the current standings, having claimed back-to-back bonus-point victories over Australia to start their campaign.

The Springboks are five points clear of New Zealand at the top of the standings, with a superior points differential of 20.

It really means that only a massive All Blacks victory this weekend could displace the Springboks from top spot, but the hosts will of course be targeting a result that could put them into a position of even more ascendancy as they look to secure an elusive Rugby Championship title.

Here is where the Springboks sit on the Rugby Championship log

Meanwhile, the Springboks are also well-placed in the World Rugby rankings.

A victory by 15 points or fewer for the Springboks will see their points tally grow by 0.26 points. Similarly, a defeat by that margin will see New Zealand’s points total drop by 0.26 points.

A win by 16 or more points for the Springboks will see them gain 0.39 points – and the All Blacks lose a similar tally.

A draw would see South Africa lose 0.74 points, but stay top, while in such a scenario the All Blacks would pick up 0.74 points, but stay third.

However, a win for New Zealand by 15 or fewer points would see them pick up 1.74 points (and the Springboks lose 1 points), and move to eighth place, with the Springboks dropping to second spot.

A victory by 16 or more points for the All Blacks would see them pick up 2.74 points, but again keep them in third place. The Springboks would again slip to second spot.

TOP 20 IN THE LATEST WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS