New Zealand back on top
A weekend of international rugby has completely overturned the global hierarchy, with New Zealand regaining top spot in the World Rugby rankings.
Australia creates a sensation in South Africa
The biggest surprise of the weekend came in South Africa, where the Wallabies pulled off a stunning 38-22 home win over the Springboks. This resounding victory represents much more than just a defeat for South Africa: it's a real earthquake in the world rankings.
With a gap of 16 points, Australia is closing in on the world's top 5. South Africa, on the other hand, drops 2 places to third, 5/100 behind Ireland, the new world runner-up. What will be the Springboks' reaction for the next confrontation.
The All Blacks take advantage of the situation
In Argentina, New Zealand did the expected work with a 41-24 victory over the Pumas. Although less spectacular, the victory allowed the All Blacks to regain the world leadership they lost several months ago. The revival of the mythical New Zealanders seems to be underway, and they should confirm this over the coming weekends of competition.
The new world landscape
This new ranking redraws the map of world rugby. Ireland, without playing, are now in second place, while Australia have made the biggest improvement of the weekend by closing the gap on England. A new feat next weekend and they'd move up a place.
The real stakes in the world rankings will take place in November during the Autumn Series, generally beneficial to teams from the northern hemisphere.