Boks slide further into abyss
WORLD RANKINGS: South Africa’s third successive loss to Wales has come at a price.
Wales have leapfrogged South Africa in the world rankings, after Ryan Elias’ late try in Washington at the weekend gave them a 22-20 victory.
Their third consecutive win over the Springboks 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, drop one place to seventh – their lowest position since the rankings were introduced in October 2003.
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 two of his attempted clearance kicks were charged down in quick succession 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.
Source: World Rugby
