Springboks extend lead at the top of World Rugby rankings with Paris win

The win over Les Bleus earned Rassie Erasmus' side a 0.86 rating point bump, which means that they are now 1.71 points clear of second-placed New Zealand - South Africa, extending their advantage by half a point.

This despite the fact that the All Blacks earned 0.36 rating points for their clutch 25-17 win over Scotland at Murrayfield, thanks largely to the heroics of replacement back Damian McKenzie.

New Zealand hold onto second position, for now, while Scotland retains eighth place, where they will remain regardless of the clash between Wales and Argentina.

Meanwhile, England earned just 0.02 rating points for their 38-18 win over Fiji. Steve Borthwick's side remain in fourth place but have cut Ireland's lead in third down to 0.79.

Ireland earned no rating points from their 31-point victory over Japan due to the 15.60 rating points between the sides before home weighting was factored in.

The same is true for Georgia, who claimed a 43-30 win over the USA in the earlier kick-off on Saturday. The Eagles also didn't lose any rating points.

Also for Samoa, who hammered Brazil 48-5 in their opening Rugby World Cup 2027 final qualification tournament fixture, due to the 14.84 rating points difference between the sides.

Finally, Uruguay moved up four places into 15th position, with USA, Samoa, Chile and Tonga going down one each, following their 8-26 success over Portugal.

World Rugby rankings

1. South Africa 93.06 (+0.86)
2. New Zealand 91.35 (+0.36)
3. Ireland 88.85 (unchanged)
4. England 88.06 (+0.02)
5. France 86.95 (-0.86)
6. Argentina 83.82
7. Australia 81.69 (-1.21)
8. Scotland 81.21 (-0.36)
9. Fiji 81.15 (-0.02)
10. Italy 78.98 (+1.21)
11. Georgia 74.69 (unchanged)
12. Wales 74.05
13. Japan 73.25 (unchanged)
14. Spain 69.12
15. Uruguay 68.52 (+1.93)
16. USA 67.40
17. Samoa 66.94
18. Chile 66.72
19. Tonga 66.66
20. Portugal 64.52 (-1.93)