The Springboks have extended their lead at the top of the World Rugby rankings despite not playing a Test match since last year’s World Cup final.
The increase in South Africa’s lead is now up to 4.03 rating points and comes after the All Blacks’ 24-22 loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.
The result of that dead-rubber Bledisloe Test decreased second-ranked New Zealand’s ratings point tally from 91.84 to 90.17 – 4.03 ratings points behind the Springboks.
The narrow win increased Australia’s rating from 82.19 to 83.86, but they remain in sixth position behind Ireland.
As it stands, the All Blacks could well improve their rating this coming weekend when they play against 10-placed Argentina in Parramatta.
World Rugby rankings (Top 10):
1. South Africa (94.20 points)
2. New Zealand (90.17)
3. England (88.42)
4. France (84.59)
5. Ireland (84.10)
6. Australia (83.86)
7. Scotland (82.08)
8. Wales (80.22)
9. Japan (79.29)
10. Argentina (78.31)
