South Africa dropped one place in the latest International Rugby Board world rankings after their defeat by Ireland on Saturday. Australia, who beat Italy, have moved back into third place, pushing South Africa into fourth position. Ireland remain in fifth place, but are just two points adrift of South Africa.
Argentina’s 25-18 win over England at Twickenham propelled them to sixth place — their highest position to date.
England fell one place to seventh, their lowest position to date.
New Zealand extended their lead at the top of the rankings to more than seven ratings points after their stunning away win over France. Despite the defeat, France remain in second.
The large rating points gap and home advantage mean that Scotland’s defeat of Romania at Murrayfield does not affect either side’s ranking.
Further down the rankings, Namibia defeated Morocco to qualify for the 2007 Rugby World Cup and move up three places in the rankings to 23rd. Morocco, who could still qualify for the World Cup through the repêchage, dropped two places to 26th.
Moldova moved up one place to 36th after they edged out Germany 26-24 in the latest European Nations Cup action. Germany fell one place to 28th. — Sapa