England have dropped to No 4 in the World Rugby rankings after their 42-39 defeat against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
England were ranked third – behind the All Blacks and Ireland – before this clash, but a fourth straight Test loss cost Eddie Jones’ side 1.05 rating points (86.23 to 85.19).
By contrast, the Boks gained 1.05 rating points for their come-from-behind effort (82.77 to 83.81), but it is not enough to overtake Scotland and Wales for a place in the top five.
Australia’s 18-9 win against Ireland boosted their rating points by 1.06, which sees them climb to third in the rankings, above England. Ireland were deducted 1.06 after the loss but remain in second position.
Argentina’s 23-10 defeat to Wales sees them relinquish ninth place to Fiji. The Pumas are now 0.39 behind Fiji in the rankings.
World Rugby rankings (Top 10):
1. New Zealand 93.99
2. Ireland 88.05
3. Australia 86.56
4. England 85.19
5. Wales 85.13
6. Scotland 83.83
7. South Africa 83.81
8. France 79.10
9. Fiji 77.93
10. Argentina 77.54
Full rankings
How the rankings work
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