End-of-Year Rugby Test Weekend Recap: Key Highlights and Results
The conclusion of the final weekend in the year-end Test rugby calendar is upon us, with three exciting matches lined up for Sunday.
For up-to-date rugby insights, make sure to check out the dedicated section on The South African website that offers a wealth of free content.
Springboks Dominate in Cardiff
From a South African perspective, the standout match this weekend featured the Springboks taking on Wales at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.
In a formidable display of skill and power, South Africa triumphed with an impressive 45-12 victory over their opponents. However, due to Wales’s current low ranking (11th), South Africa did not gain any points in the world rankings from this match.
A significant impact was felt elsewhere as France secured 0.43 points following their win against Argentina with a scoreline of 37-23, causing a similar drop for Argentina in the standings. Additionally, New Zealand gained 0.27 points by defeating Italy 29-11.
This contest marked South Africa’s third and final outing during their year-end tour after launching with a solid win against Scotland (32-15) at Murrayfield in Edinburgh and narrowly defeating England (29-20) last weekend at London’s Allianz Stadium.
Stay engaged with The South African website for updates on fixtures, results, match analyses – and more!
WEEKEND RUGBY TEST MATCHES
All times provided are in SA time.
Friday, November 22:
- France 37 – 23 Argentina
Saturday, November 23:
- Spain 23 -26 USA
- Ireland 52 -17 Fiji
- Romania 21 -23 Uruguay
- Wales 12 -45 South Africa
- Italy 11 -29 New Zealand
Sunday, November 24:
Upcoming matches:
Scotland vs Australia – Kickoff at 15:40
Georgia vs Tonga – Kickoff at 16:00
England vs Japan – Kickoff at 18:10
WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS POST-SATURDAY MATCHES
How did the Springboks perform against Wales in their latest match?
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Springboks Dominate Wales: Discover the Latest World Rugby Rankings!
Recent Match Highlights: Springboks vs Wales
The Springboks delivered a commanding performance against Wales in their latest showdown, further solidifying their status in the international rugby arena. With a combination of exceptional teamwork, strategic plays, and relentless defense, the Springboks showcased why they are among the top-ranked teams in the world.
Key Stats from the Match
- Score: Springboks 32 – 15 Wales
- Tries: Springboks: 4, Wales: 2
- Pens: Springboks: 3, Wales: 2
- Possession: Springboks: 58%, Wales: 42%
- Tackles: Springboks: 150, Wales: 130
Understanding the World Rugby Rankings
The World Rugby Rankings are updated frequently, reflecting the performance of national teams across various competitions. These rankings are critical for seeding in tournaments and give fans an insight into the current landscape of international rugby.
How Rankings Are Calculated
World Rugby uses a complex mathematical formula to calculate the rankings, which includes factors such as:
- The result of the match (win, loss, draw)
- The ranking of the opposing team
- The margin of victory
- Home advantage
Current World Rugby Rankings (as of October 2023)
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa (Springboks) | 92.58 |
| 2 | New Zealand (All Blacks) | 89.78 |
| 3 | England | 87.20 |
| 4 | France | 84.56 |
| 5 | Wales | 82.34 |
Benefits of Following the Springboks and Rugby Rankings
Keeping track of the Springboks and the World Rugby Rankings has several advantages:
1. Stay Informed on Team Performance
Being aware of how the Springboks are performing allows fans to understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as anticipate their future matches.
2. Enhanced Fan Engagement
Following the rankings and match statistics promotes greater engagement with the sport. Fans can participate in discussions, predict outcomes, and celebrate victories.
3. Increased Understanding of Game Strategies
Understanding rankings and match stats equips fans with knowledge about different playing styles, strategies employed by top teams, and how the Springboks stack up against their rivals.
Case Study: Springboks Rise in Rankings
Since their inception, the Springboks have had a storied history in rugby. Their ability to adapt and evolve with the game is key to their continued success. Here’s a brief overview of their journey:
Highlights of Their Recent Performance92.78 |
| 2 | Ireland | 90.73 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 90.36 |
| 4 | France | 88.51) |
|5 | Argentina | 84.97)|
|6 |(Scotland ) • (82TE1078 .05)sC)
(Editing to consolidate data).
Squad Lineups:
WALES:
1. Blair Murray
2. Josh Hathaway
3. Max Llewellyn
4. Ben Thomas
5. Rio Dyer
6. Sam Costelow
7. Ellis Bevan
8. Taine Plumtree
9. Jac Morgan
10. James Botham
11. Christ Tshiunza
… [Substitutes] …
SOUTH AFRICA:
1< Aphelele Fassi 2< Cheslin Kolbe 3< Jesse Kriel 4< Damian de Allende 5< Kurt-Lee Arendse 6 Jordan Hendrikse 7 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Jasper Wiese ... [Substitutes] …
Who impressed you most during this weekend’s matches? Share your thoughts by commenting below or reach out via email at [email protected] or send us a message on WhatsApp at +27 (0)60 011 0211.
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