The latest World Rugby rankings have been released, with South Africa reclaiming the top position after their 33-26 win over New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday.
Springboks back on top
The Springboks had lost their status as the world's best team following the first Test defeat against the All Blacks at Ellis Park. That setback lasted just seven days, as Rassie Erasmus's side held off the tourists in another thriller.
The two sides could swap places again in a week's time, with the winner of Saturday's third Test set to be top of the tree this time next week.
Australia leapfrog Argentina
There has also been movement elsewhere, with Australia leapfrogging Argentina after their 27-21 away win over the Pumas, which maintained Les Kiss's unbeaten start as Wallabies head coach.
Argentina and Australia do battle once again this coming weekend, with the Wallabies now starting the match as the seventh-ranked side following their first four-match winning streak since 2021.
Series tied at 1-1
The Greatest Rivalry series is now tied at 1-1 with two matches to go, meaning the full outcome will not be known until the decisive final match, which will be played in the US. If the series ends 2-2 it will be declared a draw rather than any sudden death being played.
The rest of the global standings remain the same and are unlikely to change until November's second batch of Nations Championship matches.
Wales stay 10th
Wales remain 10th, above Italy and behind ninth-placed Fiji. Steve Tandy's side face Japan, Australia and New Zealand in Cardiff this autumn.
Ireland are the top-ranked Six Nations team in third, one place ahead of France. England are fifth, Scotland sixth, Australia seventh and Argentina now eighth.
World Rugby rankings table: August 31, 2026
1. South Africa — 93.39
2. New Zealand — 92.85
3. Ireland — 88.08
4. France — 87.43
5. England — 85.68
6. Scotland — 84.78
7. Australia — 83.71
8. Argentina — 82.08
9. Fiji — 78.00
10. Wales — 76.38
11. Italy — 76.30
12. Japan — 75.36
