Former Eire star: World rankings are a ‘load of nonsense’

After claiming back-to-back World Cup titles final yr, the Springboks have maintained that profitable momentum, clinching eights victories in 10 Assessments this yr on the way in which to lifting the Rugby Championship trophy, and but the world rankings counsel they aren’t the No 1 staff on the planet.

Throughout that run of outcomes, the Springboks secured 4 consecutive wins in opposition to the All Blacks for the primary time in 75 years, and lifted the Freedom Cup for the primary time in 15 years.

Nevertheless, all it took for the Springboks to concede the No 1 spot on the planet rankings to Eire (promoted by default) was a solitary shock loss to Los Pumas in Argentina.

Earlier this season, Eire in fact proved that they’re one thing of a bogey staff for South Africa after clinching a 25-24 win in Durban to attract the two-Take a look at collection, however since then they haven’t been in motion.

As a substitute, Eire have leapfrogged the Springboks with 92.12 scores factors, adopted by South Africa on 91.77 and New Zealand on 88.70.

It’s tough to make sense of all of it, and in an article revealed by the Irish Occasions this previous weekend, even that publication conceded it was dumbfounding.

“By no means for the reason that introduction of the official World Rugby males’s rankings 21 years in the past has any facet made fairly such a mockery of the ranking system than South Africa proper now,” the article learn.

“The mighty Springboks, reigning back-to-back World Cup champions, have simply clinched the Rugby Championship, and so they did so with the authority that befits a world champion outfit. Within the course of, Rassie Erasmus’ prices enhanced their rising repute because the indestructible subjugators of world rugby.

“And, but, South Africa are presently solely ranked second on the World Rugby Rankings, 0.35 factors adrift of Eire. How weird.”

Former Eire participant disregards world rankings and Springboks’ place

Former Eire scrumhalf John Robbie – who in equity has adopted South Africa as his residence for the previous couple of a long time – agreed that the rankings made no sense in any respect.

“It’s one among my pet hates, rugby rankings,” acknowledged Robbie. “What does it matter? It’s a load of nonsense.

“Eire have been ranked primary 3 times up to now 5 years and, but, don’t have any World Cup trophy to indicate for it. The Boks alternatively, have gained the Net Ellis Cup a file 4 occasions already, of which the final two back-to-back.

“The rankings are only a sideshow so far as I’m involved.”