The Springboks have climbed up to No 5 in the World Rugby rankings after their 23-12 win over England in Bloemfontein.
Last Friday, World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper tweeted that the Boks would rise to third if they beat England, and Ireland defeated the Wallabies.
The @qantaswallabies can take second place off @IrishRugby in @WorldRugby Rankings if they claim a 2-0 series lead this weekend. Either @Springboks or @EnglandRugby could climb to 3rd with a win…if @IrishRugby win. #WorldRugbyRankings
— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) June 15, 2018
However, Wales’ victory against Argentina has, in fact, elevated them up to third, above England and Australia.
South Africa received a 0.84 of a rating point increase (83.81 to 84.65) for their stirring comeback win against England, enough to lift them two places from seventh to fifth, above England and Scotland.
England were docked 0.84 of a point (85.19 to 84.35) as they drop from No 4 to No 6.
Ireland’s 26-21 victory against Australia earned them a 1.15 point increase as they tighten their hold on the No 2 position in the rankings. By contrast, 1.15 points were deducted from the Wallabies’ tally, which saw them fall from third to fourth on the list.
The only other change to the top 10 sees Scotland drop one place lower to seventh following their shock 30-29 loss against the USA, who remain 15th.
World Rugby rankings (Top 10):
1. New Zealand 93.99
2. Ireland 89.20
3. Wales 85.94
4. Australia 85.41
5. South Africa 84.65
6. England 84.35
7. Scotland 81.83
8. France 79.10
9. Fiji 78.51
10. Argentina 76.73
Full rankings
How the rankings work
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
