Ireland close in on Boks

Ireland have broken into the top five of the World Rugby rankings following their 40-29 win over the All Blacks, and are just 1.18 rankings points behind the fourth-placed Boks.

The top four – consisting of New Zealand, England, Australia and South Africa – are unchanged, but Ireland's dismantling of the All Blacks in Chicago has earned them two rating points, elevating them from sixth to fifth in the rankings. 

Wales' humiliation at the hands of Australia sees them drop two places from fifth to seventh.

Argentina were the big winners as they climb three positions from ninth to sixth following their 54-20 demolition job of Japan in Tokyo. Los Pumas now rank above Wales, France and Scotland.

World Rugby rankings (Top 20)

1. New Zealand 94.57

2. England 89.49

3. Australia 86.86

4. South Africa 84.85

5. Ireland 83.67
6. Argentina 81.46

7. Wales 80.97

8. France 80.75
9. Scotland 80.44

10. Fiji 75.49

11. Georgia 75.23

12. Japan 73.81

13. Italy 72.23

14. Samoa 71.37

15. Tonga 69.47

Full rankings
How the rankings work

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images

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