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World Rugby rankings after the Autumn Nations Series

Makazole Mapimpi scores a try 20/11/2021
Following the conclusion of an enormous set of Autumn Nations Series fixtures, the World Rankings have changed dramatically since the first ball was kicked four weeks ago.

Following the conclusion of an enormous set of Autumn Nations Series fixtures, the World Rankings have changed dramatically since the first ball was kicked four weeks ago.

Teams such as Ireland and England have risen up the World Rankings following their unbeaten Autumns, while the gap has closed between the top sides once again.

There is also a new side at number one, while other sides like Australia have suffered a drop down the standings following a difficult Autumn Nations Series campaign.

At the very top, South Africa retain their spot despite their 27-26 defeat to England at Twickenham this weekend.

Their victories over Scotland and Wales were enough to see them keep the world No.1 spot due mainly to the form of the All Blacks this Autumn, as well as that 31-29 victory over New Zealand by the Springboks in the final match of the Rugby Championship.

With New Zealand losing games to both Ireland and France in succession, they have dropped to world no.2 after coming into the Autumn Nations Series as the no.1 ranked side.

England have climbed up to third in the World Rankings from the start of the Autumn, closing the gap to the All Blacks in second spot after defeating South Africa.

Ireland too have closed the gap and sit in fourth place, following an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series campaign, including a big win over New Zealand.

Another side who went unbeaten and defeated the All Blacks this Autumn is France, who moved up to fifth following their historic 40-25 win over New Zealand in Paris.

Dropping down into sixth is Australia, who started the Autumn as the third ranked side, but have failed to win any games this Autumn Nations Series which saw them drop three places.

Scotland retain their seventh spot and close the gap on Australia with their win over Japan, while Wales jump up into eight following their last-gasp win over Australia in Cardiff.

Argentina have dropped down to ninth after their heavy defeat in Dublin and Japan complete the top ten.