The Springboks’ odds of winning the World Cup have increased significantly, if only according to a leading New Zealand website.

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Stuff.co.nz previously wrote off the Boks [read that story HERE] as they listed the South Africans at just sixth favourites to lift the trophy in Japan.

In their initial rankings, the Kiwis gave Rassie Erasmus’ side a 33% chance of making the semi-finals and a 14% chance of progressing to the final.

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All of New Zealand, Ireland, England, Wales and Australia were tipped with better odds with the Boks were given just a 3% of going all the way.

Ahead of this weekend’s quarter-finals, the Boks are up to fourth favourites in the updated rankings but still only have a 8% chance of winning the final. This compares dismally when compared to the All Blacks, who face Ireland in the last eight, at 39% and England (25%) and Wales (23%).

Unsurprisingly the Irish are the biggest losers after their shock pool stage defeat to Japan left them in the All Blacks path. Their chances of winning have dropped from second best at 20% to just 5%.

The only position to note – when taking into the source of the power rankings – is that New Zealand given a 70% chance of moving into the last four. With Wales, who face the unpredictable French outfit, most secure at 82%.

England are tipped at 75% to end Australia’s hopes by advancing with South Africa given a 76% chance of defeating hosts Japan.