The first round of the Nations Championship's autumn leg has reaffirmed the huge divide that currently exists in the world game, with the latest World Rugby rankings showing a clear three-tier structure.
Elite sides dominate
South Africa's 66-7 demolition of Italy in Rome underlined their status as the world's number one side, showing the gulf in class between the elite and teams further down the pecking order. Likewise, New Zealand's comfortable 43-21 win over Scotland at Murrayfield proved the two southern hemisphere giants remain a level above the challenging pack in the second tier of teams between fifth and eighth in the rankings table.
Ireland, meanwhile, showed rumours of their demise are wide of the mark, as they swatted aside Argentina 42-12 to prove why they are currently the third highest ranked team.
England make biggest gain
England's 45-22 win over Australia was arguably just as impressive, and it certainly yielded the biggest rankings gain, with Steve Borthwick's side earning 1.31 rankings points to edge close to fourth-placed France, who dispatched Fiji with ease.
Wales' 28-21 win over Japan saw them pull further ahead of Italy and the Brave Blossoms and move within 0.42 ranking points of ninth-placed Fiji.
Wales target second tier
The aim now is to break into the second tier of teams in the top eight going forward, but that will require them to start beating sides above them in the rankings. Saturday's clash with the All Blacks is highly likely to be beyond them, but the fixture against the seventh-placed Wallabies has to be a target, particularly after they folded so meekly against the English.
Next weekend sees France host the Springboks in the pick of the matches, while Wales play New Zealand, England entertain Japan, Ireland face Fiji, Scotland play Australia and Italy welcome Argentina.
Latest World Rugby rankings
1. South Africa – 93.09 points
2. New Zealand – 92.65 points (+0.38)
3. Ireland – 88.70 points (+0.63)
4. France – 87.49 points (+0.06)
5. England – 86.99 points (+1.31)
6. Scotland – 84.40 points (-0.38)
7. Australia – 83.12 points (-1.31)
8. Argentina – 81.62 points (-0.63)
9. Fiji – 77.79 points (-0.06)
10. Wales – 77.37 points (+0.99)
11. Italy – 76.30 points
12. Japan – 75.25 points (-0.99)
