Springboks sink to sixth
The loss sees the Springboks fall to their lowest position since rankings began in October 2003, despite boasting a total of 851 caps against Japan.
Japan did not just set the world of rugby alight with their stunning, last-gasp 34-32 victory in Brighton on Saturday, they shook up the world rankings as well.
The Pool B triumph saw Eddie Jones's Brave Blossoms – who have already soared in the popularity stakes – climb from 13th place to 11th in the world rankings.
England replaces the Springboks at number three, moving up one position, after their tournament-opening 35-11 victory against Fiji at Twickenham.
Scotland, who are buoyant Japan's next opponents, at Kingsholm on Wednesday, drop two places to 12th – their lowest ever position.
The other significant movers in the rankings are Georgia, who climb three places to 13th on the strength of their superb, battling 17-10 win against Tonga at Kingsholm in Pool C.
Tonga, meanwhile, slip three places to 14th.
Wales and Ireland both move up one place, to fourth and fifth respectively, after their opening wins against Uruguay and Canada.
France stay seventh after beating Italy 32-10 in their Pool D encounter at Twickenham, with the Azzurri dropping one place to 15th – their lowest yet.
The order remains unchanged at the summit, with New Zealand holding down number one after their hard-earned 26-16 victory against Argentina at Wembley, and Australia – who play Fiji in Cardiff on Wednesday – in second spot.
@WorldRugby
