World rankings: Wallabies drop to record low after defeat to Springboks

David Skippers
Wallabies players v Springboks Rugby Championship 2022 - PA.jpg

The latest men’s World Rugby rankings have been released with Australia dropping down to eight position after they suffered a 24-8 defeat to South Africa in their Rugby Championship encounter in Sydney.

The Wallabies’ margin of defeat means it’s a record low for them in the rankings and they are just a quarter of a point ahead of Wales, who occupy ninth place.

The Springboks sealed a bonus-point victory – their first win over the Wallabies on Australian soil in nine years – which means they stay in third spot in the rankings with 1.42 points added to their overall total.

All Blacks bounce back

Meanwhile, in other Rugby Championship action, New Zealand bounced back in style – after losing to Argentina in Christchurch on August 27 – by turning the tables on Los Pumas courtesy of an emphatic 53-3 triumph.

That result means the All Blacks have moved into fourth place in the rankings while England drop down to fifth and despite their loss, Argentina have moved up to sixth position with Scotland promoted to seventh as a result of Australia’s loss against South Africa.

Men’s World Rankings
(Previous position in brackets)

1(1) Ireland 90.03
2(2) France 89.41
3(3) South Africa 87.89
4(5) New Zealand 86.41
5(4) England 86.25
6(7) Argentina 82.32
7(8) Scotland 81.93
8(6) Australia 81.54
9(9) Wales 81.28
10(10) Japan 77.74

READ MORE: Wallabies turn focus to Bledisloe Cup after disappointing Springbok defeat