While New Zealand racked up a record 57-0 scoreline against South Africa in Albany, Australia opened their account in this year’s Rugby Championship with a 45-20 win over Argentina that sees them pick up 0.14 of a rating point in the World Rugby Rankings.
The Wallabies remain in fifth position, on 84.19 points- 1.2 behind nearest rivals Ireland, while Argentina are still ranked ninth with 77.86 – more than four points clear of Japan who make up the world’s top 10.
Elsewhere, test rugby returned to Albany with a bang as South Africa were put to the sword by hosts New Zealand. Never has any Springbok side been beaten by so many points by the three-time world champions.
The result did not affect either side’s ranking as the All Blacks started the day 9.4 points better off than their opponents and were expected to win. Not even the most optimistic of All Blacks fans would have expected them to win by so many though.
World Rankings
