WORLD RANKINGS: All Blacks edge closer to Springboks

NEWS: New Zealand have significantly closed the gap on South Africa in the World Rugby Rankings after their win over England.

New Zealand gained 0.97 points for their 24-22 win over England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in the first match of this year’s Autumn Nations Series.

The All Blacks are still third behind second-placed Springboks (91.77) but with an improved rating of 89.67 points.

England keep hold of fifth place but with a reduced rating of 84.43 points.

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Fiji dropped below Australia and into 10th place after their record 17-57 defeat to host Scotland in the opening round of the November Nations Cup.

It was the most points Fiji have conceded and the largest margin of defeat in 10 test meetings with Scotland, for whom Darcy Graham marked his return to the international arena with four tries.

Scotland picked up 0.58 points for the win, their first at Murrayfield since they retained the Calcutta Cup, and remain in seventh but with less than a point now between themselves and Argentina.

The loss of 0.58 points in exchange was enough for Fiji’s rating to dip below Australia’s and their new total of 79.07 puts them in 10th.