The latest rankings are out after the final round of Rugby Championship games
Wales will face South Africa this autumn(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
The Rugby Championship is done and dusted for another year, with South Africa claiming back-to-back titles for the very first time, a victory that cements their place at the top of the world rankings ahead of the upcoming autumn internationals.
The Springboks lifted the trophy after seeing off Argentina at the Allianz Stadium in London. New Zealand’s victory over Australia earlier on Saturday meant any kind of victory over the Pumas would be enough to seal the trophy, with South Africa enjoying a vastly superior points difference.
Argentina started on the front foot, snatching an opening try from Bautista Delguy to lead 13-10 at half-time, with Cobus Reinach going down for the Springboks.
Scores from Malcom Marx either side of Reinach’s second try put South Africa in control, although Delguy did scamper over for a second try to cut the deficit. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
However, the world champions held firm to take a 29-27 win, which ultimately sealed their status as champions.
As a result, South Africa head into the autumn top of the rankings, with New Zealand toppling Ireland as the second-best side in the world after their 28-14 win over Australia. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
There’s otherwise no real change to the top 20, with Argentina and Australia remaining 6th and 7th respectively.
England remain fifth, one place behind France, while Scotland stay in eighth. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Wales head into the upcoming schedule in 12th, one place behind Georgia. The importance of staying in the top 12 might well add some incentive for Steve Tandy’s side as it could make a huge difference to their hopes of a favourable World Cup draw.
The draw will be made at the start of December following the conclusion of the sutum series. There will be six pools in the tournament, with the top six teams ranked as first seeds.
Seventh to 12th, where Wales currently sit, will be second seeds.
Wales must avoid a disastrous autumn and certainly beat 13th-placed Japan to ensure they are in the top 12 come December and don’t fall into the third group of seeds.
Rankings in full
South Africa — 91.90 (+0.28)New Zealand — 90.02 (+0.74) ↑1Ireland — 89.83 ↓1France — 87.82England — 87.64Argentina — 84.12 (−0.28)Australia — 82.93 (−0.74)Scotland — 81.57Fiji — 81.16Italy — 77.77Georgia — 74.69Wales — 74.05Japan — 73.61Spain — 69.12USA — 67.40Samoa — 66.94Chile — 66.72Tonga — 66.66Uruguay — 66.59Portugal — 66.44