Boks slash gap on All Blacks

Cape Town - Rugby World Cup 2015 hosts England have moved up to third in the latest IRB world rankings as a result of Argentina’s historic win over Australia at the weekend.

According to the IRB website, Argentina came from 14-0 down to beat the Wallabies 21-17 in Mendoza and record their first win in 18 Rugby Championship matches. It was also the first time they had tasted victory over Australia since 1997.

The Pumas gain two full ranking points and reclaim their position as one of the top 10 teams in the world. Japan and Fiji fall one place to 11th and 12th, respectively. 

Australia drop to fourth on 85.07 points - leaving them 0.61 behind England and adding extra spice to the Cook Cup clash between the sides at Twickenham on November 29.

South Africa’s 27-25 win over New Zealand in an epic encounter in Johannesburg moves the Springboks to within 2.19 points of the world’s No 1 team. Prior to the match, the All Blacks' gap was 4.48.

New Zealand concluded their third consecutive title-winning campaign on 92.60 points compared to South Africa’s 90.41.

Top 10 IRB rankings (previous week's ranking in brackets):

1. New Zealand 92.60
2. South Africa 90.41
3. England 85.68
4. Australia 85.07
5. Ireland 83.44
6. Wales 80.70
7. France 80.01
8. Scotland 77.75
9. Samoa 76.35
10. Argentina 75.97