Power shift as Northern Hemisphere teams climb World Rugby rankings

In the latest World Rugby rankings, the Northern Hemisphere nations have ascended into the top 5, taking the majority of spots after the June international series.

Ireland, Wales and England hold second, third and fourth as the Wallabies slide to fifth following their home series loss to Ireland. The Springboks are ranked sixth despite beating England 2-1 in South Africa.

Not surprisingly, the All Blacks still hold the number one ranking after dispatching France 3-0 at home. They have retained the top spot every year since 2009 and sit on 93.99 points. Ireland edge ever so closer to New Zealand, reaching 90-point barrier for the first time after their historic 2-1 win in Austraila.

Argentina’s worrying slide continues, taking the tenth position behind a resurgent Fiji who sits just below France in ninth position.

World Rugby rankings
1 – All Blacks 93.99
2 – Ireland 90.12
3 – Wales 85.94
4 – England 85.68
5 – Australia 84.48
6 – South Africa 83.32
7 – Scotland 83.02
8 – France 79.10
9 – Fiji 76.54
10 – Argentina 75.55