JOHANNESBURG – The Springboks have moved up one place to fifth in the World Rugby rankings released on Monday.
The move is ironic as the SA Rugby Union parted ways with coach Allister Coetzee on Friday. The real reason for the rise in the rankings for South Africa was a result of Wales’ 34-7 victory over Scotland over the weekend.
Scotland dropped two places to seventh, while Wales moved up one position to sixth.
At the top of the rankings, New Zealand still occupy the mantle of best team in the world. England are second, Ireland third with Australia rounding out the top four.
The latest World Rugby rankings are:
1. New Zealand 93.99
2. England 90.89
3. Ireland 86.86
4. Australia 85.49
5. South Africa 83.81
6. Wales 83.43
7. Scotland 82.75
8. Argentina 78.22
9. Fiji 77.93
10. France 77.62