World Rankings: Ireland close gap on Boks

NEWS: The Springboks have lost some ground at the top of the World Rugby rankings.

Ireland’s dramatic 25-24 win over South Africa in Durban cut the Springboks’ lead over them at the top of the rankings to just under a point.

New Zealand cemented third place with a 24-17 win over England at fortress Eden Park, with England remaining in fifth.

France still occupies fourth spot, despite losing 25-33 to Argentina.

Italy have moved above Australia after bouncing back from their shock defeat to Samoa with a 36-14 victory against Tonga.

The Azzurri picked up a fraction under a point for the win which takes their rating up to 78.98 points – 0.28 points more than Australia, despite the Wallabies wrapping up a 2-0 series win over Wales.

Wales’ 28-36 loss to Australia ensures they remain out of the top 10 and with Georgia hot on their heels.

The Lelos beat Japan 25-23 to deny Eddie Jones a first win in his second spell in charge of the Brave Blossoms and they have moved up two places to 12th, one place and 1.68 points behind Wales.

The teams have swapped places and Japan are now in 14th, just ahead of Portugal, who were rewarded for their 37-22 win against Namibia with a one-place gain.

Canada, meanwhile, beat the higher-ranked Romania 35-22 in Ottawa and have overtaken Chile as a result, despite Los Condores also winning, 33-5 against Belgium.