The Wallabies have regained third position in the IRB rankings following their thrilling 33-28 win over Wales on Saturday.

The result in Cardiff has earned Australia a 0.37-point increase, enough to seal a place among the elite southern hemisphere teams at the expense of England, who slip to fourth after their 24-21 defeat to the All Blacks in Twickenham.

The result sees the All Blacks opening up a handy 4.68 lead over the Springboks, who suffered a shock 29-15 loss to Ireland. The Boks' ratings points decreased from 90.41 to 89.02, but they are safe in second place with no real pressure from any team below. 

Ireland increased their ranking points from 83.44 to 84.84, but remain fifth because they were unable to beat the Boks by 15 points or more.

With their 40-15 victory over Fiji, France leapfrog Wales into sixth place, with the Dragons slipping to seventh following their defeat to the Aussies.

Scotland and Argentina stay rooted in eight and 10th place respectively, while Samoa trade ninth for 11th with Japan. 

IRB rankings

1. New Zealand 93.70
2. South Africa 89.02
3. Australia 85.44
4. England 85.12
5. Ireland 84.84
6. France 80.25
7. Wales 79.78
8. Scotland 78.27
9. Japan 75.63
10. Argentina 75.45
Full rankings
How the rankings work

Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images