The Springboks have climbed to fifth in the World Rugby rankings following Wales’ commanding 34-7 win over Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Scotland, South Africa and Wales finished the 2017 season ranked fifth, sixth and seventh. But Wales’ upset win over the Scots in the opening round of the Six Nations earned them a 1.35 rating points increase, while Scotland were docked 1.35 points.

As a result, Scotland have dropped two places to seventh position, elevating the Springboks and Wales to fifth and sixth respectively.

Further down, France have dropped to 10th – their lowest-ever position since the introduction of the rankings – following their 15-13 loss to Ireland. Fiji have moved to up to ninth, equalling their highest-ever ranking.

World Rugby rankings (Top 10):

1. New Zealand 93.99
2. England 90.89
3. Ireland 86.86
4. Australia 85.49
5. South Africa 83.81
6. Wales 83.43
7. Scotland 82.75
8. Argentina 78.22
9. Fiji 77.93
10. France 77.62

Full rankings


How the rankings work

Photo: Anne Laing/HM Images