South Africa’s lead at the top of the World Rugby rankings have grown bigger after the All Blacks dropped to third following their loss to Argentina on Saturday.
New Zealand’s 25-15 defeat by Argentina shrinks their rankings tally from 90.17 to 88.17. The two-point deduction moves them from second to third in the rankings below South Africa and England, who are now second.
England beat Georgia 40-0 in the Autumn Nations Cup, but because of Georgia’s low ranking, Eddie Jones’ team didn’t gain any ratings points.
That means, the World champion Springboks’ lead at is now over five rating points – 5.78 to be exact.
Los Pumas gained two ratings points, an increase that has them rise from 10th to eighth, above Wales and Japan, respectively.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s 24-14 win over Wales afforded them a higher rating, from 84.10 to 84.57, but it was not enough to usurp France in fourth place with the Irish remaining in fifth.
Wales lost 0.47 of a ratings point as a result of that loss to Ireland.
World Rugby rankings (Top 10):
1. South Africa (94.20 points)
2. England (88.42)
3. New Zealand (88.17)
4. France (84.59)
5. Ireland (84.57)
6. Australia (83.86)
7. Scotland (82.28)
8. Argentina (80.31)
9. Wales (79.75)
10. Japan (79.29)
Photo: Getty Images
