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Boks in pole position for No 1 spot

Boks in pole position for No 1 spot

Springboks to reclaim No.1 spot in rankings

Springboks threw down the gauntlet

The Springboks threw down the gauntlet to New Zealand in the race to finish as the No 1-ranked team in the world this year after claiming a comprehensive 26-10 victory over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday night.

The victory saw the Boks close the gap on the All Blacks to just one point on the World Rugby rankings, with the top spot still very much up for grabs heading into the final two rounds of the Rugby Championship.

The Boks will have a chance to overtake New Zealand with victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires on 17 September, but the All Blacks will have a chance to regain top spot when they face the Pumas three days later.

Damian Willemse scored a try and kicked 11 points

The Springboks put in a dominant performance against Wales, with Damian Willemse scoring a try and kicking 11 points, while Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth also crossed the whitewash.

The victory was the Boks' third in a row in the Rugby Championship and it extended their unbeaten run to five matches.

The Boks will be hoping to continue their good form when they face Argentina in Buenos Aires on 17 September.