World rankings: Mighty Springboks return to the top of the table

Ireland's 23-13 loss to the All Blacks saw them surrender their number one ranking, paving the way for South Africa to reclaim the top spot.

Two tries from Makazole Mapimpi and one apiece for Thomas du Toit and Jasper Wiese did the job for Rassie Erasmus' men as South Africa cleared the first hurdle of their November tour.

Bok fans will no doubt feel vindicated by their side's swift return to the rankings summit as many felt a solitary Rugby Championship loss away from home in an otherwise successful campaign should not have seen them relinquish the position.

It was a dramatic weekend of rugby results, as Fiji claimed a famous first-ever victory over Wales in Cardiff while Australia stunned England at Twickenham on Saturday.

New Zealand ended Ireland's 19-game home winning streak on Friday evening, a result that saw Andy Farrell's side drop two places in the rankings with the All Blacks moving up a place into second.

The Springboks took advantage of that result a claimed a 17-point victory over Scotland which has seen them open up a 1.25 rating point gap over New Zealand in second place.

France's 52-12 win over Japan did not earn Les Bleus any rating points which means that they hold onto fourth place but there has been movement below Fabien Galthie's charges.

Argentina hammered Italy 18-50, a result that paired with Australia's win over England sees them move into fifth position. Despite their loss to South Africa, Scotland have moved up a place into sixth with England dropping from fifth to seventh.

Fiji have also moved up in the rankings with Italy dropping from eighth to tenth with the Flying Fijians moving into the ninth and Australia replacing the Azzurri.

England's seventh-place ranking is their lowest in eight years holding that position in February 2016.

Latest World Rugby rankings

1 South Africa 92.46

2 New Zealand 91.21

3 Ireland 90.58

4 France 86.96

5 Argentina 85.60

6 Scotland 82.70

7 England 82.62

8 Australia 81.14

9 Fiji 80.07

10 Italy 78.67

11 Wales 75.04

12 Georgia 74.10

13 Samoa 72.68

14 Japan 72.31

15 Portugal 68.82

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