At the end of a busy weekend of internationals, Wales were the biggest climbers in the IRB World Rankings, up two places to sixth as a result of their 33-16 win against higher-ranked Argentina in Cardiff.
The Welsh were the only team in the world's top 10 on the rise, although Scotland's fine 9-8 victory over the third-ranked Wallabies has given them a significant 1.66 rating point change, and moved them to within touching distance of Argentina, who fell one more place to eighth.
New Zealand's victory over England consolidated their new position at number one, while Martin Johnson's side falls back one place to seventh, behind Wales, as a result of their 19-6 battling loss at Twickenham.
Australia's shock reverse at the hands of the Scots, their first since 1982, drops them down by 1.65 rating points. Although they remain in third, they are now far closer to the French in fourth than South Africa in second.
South Africa's 32-10 victory in Rome did not affect their second-place world ranking. Neither did France's 43-5 win against Samoa, nor Ireland's 41-6 win against 10th-ranked Fiji.
Outside the world's top 10, the USA strengthened their position at 17th in the world with their Rugby World Cup qualifying win against Uruguay - a victory that finally confirmed the Eagles' place at the 2011 tournament as Americas 2. They join Australia, Ireland and Italy in Pool C.
Meanwhile, Japan justified their world ranking of 13 with a convincing victory against Canada, who remain once place below them in the world list.
Comments
Trinats says...
Stellenbosched
You OK ? want a cuddle?
What's taht on your shoulder ???? ........Ahhhh a big chip
Posted 12:26 26th November 2009
Number8 says...
Yeah, I'm a kiwi and even I see South Africa ahead of NZ. South Africa white-washed New Zealand 3-0 this year. It wasn't even close. How can the kiwis be rated higher than them?
Also Ireland are six nations champs and unbeaten for 10 or 11 tests. In my opinion Saturdays international between Ireland, the 6 nations champ, and South Africa, the 3 nations champ, is a battle for bragging rights as 2009's number 1 international team. (NZ and France are battling it out for number 3, wales and Australia for number 5. What a weekend. Three great math-ups on offer. Let's hope it isn't a kick and whistle festival...
Posted 10:27 25th November 2009
Stellenbosched says...
I suppose the IRB will be holding a series of functions to celebrate their favourite sons return to number 1. O Brien will no doubt be asked to arrange the get-togethers, with the music to be supplied by Dumisani. Anything that insults, belittles or ignores South Africa is greatly appreciated by the white rubbish who supposedly run the IRB.
Posted 05:05 25th November 2009