PARIS, France, Oct 17 – South Africa are back at the top of the World Rugby rankings after defeating France 29-28 in a pulsating Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris on Sunday.
Ireland’s 15-month reign as the No 1 side in the world came to an end after their defeat to New Zealand, as South Africa took over after their momentous 29-28 victory over World Cup hosts France on Sunday.
The Springboks now boast a rating of 92.48 points compared to New Zealand’s 90.91 with Ireland third on 90.57 as the latter’s Rugby World Cup comes to an end.
France have dropped a couple of places to fourth after their loss, on 87.81 points, with England coming next in fifth after they move up a spot at Scotland’s expense.
England, who beat Fiji 30-24, and Argentina, who edged Wales, will be viewed as the underdogs in their respective semi-finals, against the Boks and All Blacks.
Following Los Pumas’ 29-17 win, they have traded places with the Welsh in seventh and eighth, with Australia sitting ninth and Fiji in tenth position this Monday.
World Rugby rankings
1(3) South Africa 92.48
2(4) New Zealand 90.91
3(1) Ireland 90.57
4(2) France 87.81
5(6) England 84.03
6(5) Scotland 83.43
7(8) Argentina 83.07
8(7) Wales 80.64
9(9) Australia 77.48
10(10) Fiji 76.38
11(11) Italy 75.93
12(12) Japan 74.27
13(13) Portugal 72.78
14(14) Georgia 72.68
15(15) Samoa 72.23
16(16) Tonga 71.57
17(17) Uruguay 67.39
18(18) USA 66.22
19(19) Spain 64.05
20(20) Romania 63.28
