The All Blacks have trimmed the Springboks’ lead at the top of the World Rugby rankings after the opening round of the Nations Championship.
New Zealand’s 34-32 victory over an understrength France in Christchurch lifted their rating to 91.04 points, reducing South Africa’s advantage at the summit from 3.61 to 2.90 points.
Despite their convincing 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park, the Boks remain on 93.94 points because the gap between the teams in the rankings (10.03 points) was too big for Rassie Erasmus’ side to gain any rating points.
Ireland held on to third place after edging the Wallabies 33-31 in Sydney.
France remain fourth and Australia eighth.
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Scotland were the biggest movers after beating Argentina 47-38 in Córdoba.
The victory lifted Gregor Townsend’s side from seventh to fifth in the rankings at the expense of Los Pumas and leapfrog England.
It marks Scotland’s return to their joint-highest position in the rankings, having last occupied fifth place during the 2023 World Cup.
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World Rugby rankings (Top 15)
1. South Africa 93.94
2. New Zealand 90.74 (+0.41)
3. Ireland 89.62 (+0.55)
4. France 87.04 (-0.41)
5. (↑2) Scotland 84.41 (+1.51)
6. England 83.91
7. (↓2) Argentina 83.47 (-1.51)
8. Australia 80.98 (-0.55)
9. Fiji 79.83 (-1.31)
10. Italy 77.76 (-1.88)
11. Wales 76.37 (+1.31)
12. Japan 75.97 (+1.88)
13. Georgia 72.97 (+1.02)
14. (↑2) USA 69.10 (+0.84)
15. (↓1) Portugal 68.81 (-0.84)
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
