Will Joseph equals England try-scoring record with five-try haul against Japan
Will Joseph marked his return to international rugby in spectacular fashion, scoring five tries as England dismantled Japan in a commanding 78-15 victory.
Springboks knocked off world number one spot after France defeat
The Springboks' loss has allowed New Zealand to return to the summit for the second time this year, with the All Blacks benefiting from Rassie Erasmus' side slipping to their third defeat of 2026.
Dave Rennie's team initially moved to the top of the standings after beating South Africa in the opening match of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, only to surrender that position a week later following their defeat in Cape Town.
The latest rankings update sees New Zealand reclaim first place, with the Springboks dropping to second ahead of the remaining Nations Championship fixtures this weekend.
France, meanwhile, have gained 1.56 ranking points following their two-point victory over the Boks – their first win against South Africa in Paris since 2005. That result has lifted Fabien Galthie's side above Ireland into third place.
Andy Farrell's men cannot reclaim third spot with a victory over Fiji in Dublin this weekend, owing to the ranking-point difference between the two teams heading into the match.
South Africa could, however, return to the top of the rankings before the weekend is over, although that would require Wales to pull off a historic first victory over the All Blacks in the professional era.
Should Steve Tandy's side achieve that feat, New Zealand would drop back to second place. However, regardless of the margin of defeat, the All Blacks cannot fall any further down the rankings.
Latest World Rugby Rankings
1 (↑1) New Zealand 92.65
2 (↓1) South Africa 91.53 (-1.56)
3 (↑1) France 89.05 (+1.56)
4 (↓1) Ireland 88.70
5 England 86.99
6 Scotland 84.40
7 Australia 83.12
8 Argentina 81.62
9 Fiji 77.79
10 Wales 77.37
11 Italy 76.30
12 Japan 75.25
13 Georgia 73.94
14 Portugal 70.52
15 USA 67.80
Wales make history in Cardiff with first win against the All Blacks in 73 years
Wales recorded a victory against New Zealand for the first time in 73 years after a stunning 35-28 win in their Nations Championship clash in Cardiff on Saturday.
Los Pumas end five-match winless run with hard-fought victory over Italy
Argentina held off a spirited Italy fightback to claim a gutsy 19-14 victory in Saturday's Nations Championship clash in Genoa.
Erasmus points to poor decisions and discipline after 'terrible' loss to France
Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi refused to look for excuses after the Springboks' narrow loss to France, as they admitted they failed to play to their usual standard on a tough night in Paris.