England close in on Springboks

England received a further boost following their triumph over Australia as that win sees them close in on South Africa in the World Rankings.

England received a further boost following their victory over Australia as that win sees them close in on South Africa in the IRB World Rankings.

In reclaiming the Cook Cup with a 20-13 win, the home side boosted their rating by more than half a ranking point to close on South Africa in second.

The result leaves the Wallabies just over two ranking points ahead of France, and with all the top sides in action in the coming weeks Australia's remaining four November internationals will be crucial.

England face tenth ranked Argentina this coming weekend, but the big test in ranking terms will come the following Saturday against New Zealand, who have occupied the number one spot for almost four years.

The All Blacks' 54-6 victory over RWC 2019 hosts Japan at the weekend had no bearing on their rating, a consequence of the fourteen places and more than 21 points separating the two teams. However, successive fixtures against France and then England could be significant in ranking terms.

Canada were also in action on Sunday, but their 40-15 loss to the Maori All Blacks in Toronto does not count towards the rankings. The Canucks now travel to Europe to tackle Georgia, Romania and Portugal.

With thanks to the IRB