All Blacks back on top

France's victory over South Africa on Saturday has put the All Blacks back at the top of the IRB World Rankings.

The All Blacks did not improve their own rating following the 20-6 victory over Italy in Milan on Sunday (NZT), but regain the place they lost in July as a result of the Springboks' 20-13 loss in Toulouse.

New Zealand now have a 0.55 point advantage over the side that beat them three times in the Tri-Nations, with the Wallabies more than four points adrift of South Africa after a 20-20 draw with Ireland in Dublin.

France is the leading northern hemisphere nation having leapfrogged Ireland into fourth place.

Meanwhile, Japan's 46-8 victory over Canada on Sunday has lifted them to 13th, their highest ever position in the rankings.

IRB WORLD RANKINGS

1 New Zealand 90.52

2 South Africa 89.97

3 Australia 85.63

4 France 83.20

5 Ireland 83.20

6 England 81.07

7 Argentina 80.49

8 Wales 80.39

9 Scotland 76.06

10 Fiji 75.69


- NZ HERALD STAFF