Latest World Rankings: South Africa Surrender Top Spot
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New Zealand have replaced South Africa as the world’s number one team in the World Rankings.
Following this weekend’s results in the Rugby Championship, New Zealand now top the rankings and Australia are up to third.
This is the first time since October 2019 that New Zealand are at the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.
The All Blacks’ 36-13 win over Argentina at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane combined with South Africa’s 30-17 defeat to Australia resulted in a 2.37-point swing, enabling them to swap positions with the Springboks.
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New Zealand started the weekend 2.17 rating points behind the reigning world champions in second place but they now hold a slender lead worth just two-tenths of a point.
Ian Foster's side also moved 10 points clear at the top of the Rugby Championship table and could wrap up the title even with a defeat against the Springboks next time out – if the All Blacks secure a losing bonus or prevent their opponents earning a try bonus.
Patrick Tuipulotu, TJ Perenara, Tupou Vaa'i (twice) and Samisoni Taukei'aho each contributed tries for a fourth bonus-point win from four to move Ian Foster's men 10 points clear of South Africa ahead of a double-header against the world champions.
Meanwhile, Australia are up to third for the first time since June 2018 after completing back-to-back wins against South Africa.
Australia got the better of South Africa for the second week running as Len Ikitau and Marika Koroibete led the Wallabies to a 30-17 victory in the Rugby Championship.
Australia are now undefeated in their past seven men's Tests against South Africa on home soil (W6, D1), although Saturday is the first time they have won by a margin of seven points or more in that span. It is also the first time the Wallabies have earned back-to-back wins in men's international rugby since October 2019.
With Australia moving up to third, England and Ireland have fallen to fourth and fifth respectively.
