The Springboks remain in fifth position on the World Rugby rankings after their 26-20 win against Scotland, but have closed the gap on England.
The gap between the Boks and fourth-placed England, who were given a scare in their 35-15 victory against Japan, has been cut to just 0.42 of a point.
The Wallabies are the only team in the top 10 to climb, after their 26-7 win over Italy in Padova saw them switch places with Scotland, who drop down to seventh.
Ireland’s famous 16-9 win over the All Blacks has seen their points tally rise to 91.17 – only 1.37 points behind the No 1-ranked team in the world.
Outside the top 10, the USA’s 31-5 win against Romania has lifted Gary Gold’s men to their highest-ever ranking of 13th, above both Italy and Georgia.
World Rugby rankings (Top 10):
1. New Zealand 92.54
2. Ireland 91.17
3. Wales 86.70
4. England 85.54
5. South Africa 85.12
6. Australia 83.08
7. Scotland 81.57
8. France 78.88
9. Argentina 77.32
10. Fiji 76.40
Full rankings
How the rankings work
Photo: Tim Williams/Getty Images
