World rankings are accrued on an accumulated basis over the four years between a World Cup. South Africa were a shambles in 2016 & 17. They lost 8
of their 12 test matches in 2016 under the stewardship of the hapless Allister Coetzee including first ever defeats to Italy and Argentina. 2017 wasnāt a whole lot better and there were record 57-0 losses to New Zealand and 38-3 to Ireland which saw Coetzee sacked.
In the last two years under Rassie Erasmus, South Africa have been resurgent but their world ranking is still a lowly 5th on the basis of the legacy of results in 2016 & 17.
The once every four years casual rugby fan here places too much emphasis on world rankings and results from a few years back under a different coaching regime which have no relevance to current strength or form.
In hurling terms, it would have been liking claiming that Tipperaryās form under Michael Ryan in failing to win any of their 4 Munster Championship matches in 2018 should have seen them go in as underdogs against Kilkenny in the 2019 All Ireland Final.
Australia and France have never been the Nr 1 ranked team in the world, just to give you an idea of the massive achievement by Ireland, now we are supposed to just ignore it.
Why is it a massive achievement. Australia won a World Cup. Thatās the only thing I care about. I donāt care what ranking we are. Iād rather a World Cup than being ranked number one.
South Africa are the 5th ranked team in the world but their current form is a lot higher than that of a side only 5th best. As is there standing in the sport as one of the two great superpowers of international rugby union.
This Ireland team under Coach Schmidt have the capability of beating South Africa in the quarter final. Ireland will have to play very well for that to happen though.