Despite victory, Boks slip in rankings

Cape Town - Despite their 37-15 win over France in Durban, the Springboks have dropped one position to sixth in the latest World Rugby official rankings.

After beating France in Pretoria earlier this month, the Boks had moved from No 7 to No 5, but have now dropped below Scotland, who stunned Australia in Sydney at the weekend.

Scotland’s 24-19 win Down Under earned them 1.72 ratings points (total 83.90) which was enough to move above South Africa into fifth place, as the Springboks only gained 0.76 of a point which took their tally to 83.63 points.

Meanwhile, Ireland replaced Australia in third place after their 50-22 win over Japan in Shizuoka.

With 11 regulars missing on British and Irish Lions duty, an exciting crop of young players turned on the style to produce a result that was worth 0.43 of a rating point.

While Ireland increase their rating to 85.09 points, Australia’s is down by 1.72 points to 84.63, putting them just 0.73 of a point above Scotland, who are on 83.90.

After completing a 2-0 series whitewash of Argentina with a 35-25 victory over Los Pumas in Sante Fe, England also cut the gap on top-ranked New Zealand by 0.61 of a point over the past fortnight.

The All Blacks did not pick up any rating points for their crushing 78-0 win over Samoa so they now have a 4.64-point cushion over Eddie Jones’ side.

Top 20 in latest World Rugby standings:

1. New Zealand 94.78
2. England 90.14
3. Ireland 85.09
4. Australia 84.63
5. Scotland 83.90
6. South Africa 83.63
7. Wales 81.90
8. France 80.16
9. Argentina 79.31
10. Fiji 76.63
11. Japan 74.09
12. Georgia 73.61
13. Tonga 71.40
14. Samoa 71.25
15. Italy 71.00
16. Romania 70.27
17. USA 66.10
18. Spain 64.02
19. Russia 63.13
20. Uruguay 62.28