All Blacks still top of the world

Herald online

14 Jul, 2015 11:23 PMQuick Read

The physical threat the All Blacks face this week will be equally intense as the one they encountered in Samoa, but of an entirely different nature says Kieran Read. The All Black No 8 - who declared himself delighted to be back in the frosty climes of Christchurch and breathing fresh air - spoke like a man who was determined to knock the carnival vibe of last week on the head and restore order with a more accurate, bullish All Black performance.

World Rugby have released the latest world rankings and the All Blacks remain on top of the world.

Their pool for the World Cup only contains one team from the top 10 which is Argentina - who the All Blacks face in their opening game at Wembley on September 20.

Argentina are also in Christchurch this Friday for the first week of the Rugby Championships.

The All Blacks other pool opponents, Tonga and Georgia, sit 12th and 14th respectively, while African side Namibia have climbed up the rankings to 22nd.

World Cup hosts England are fourth while Australia remain down in sixth.

World Rugby Rankings - Top 20

1 New Zealand 93.70

2 South Africa 88.23

3 Ireland 85.76

4 England 85.40

5 Wales 84.07

6 Australia 82.95