All Blacks rule world rankings

All Blacks rule world rankings
Stuff
Last updated 08:41 15/09/2010


The All Blacks' unbeaten run through the Tri-Nations has seen them extend their healthy lead at the top of the IRB world rankings.
The latest rankings have been released in the wake of New Zealand's dramatic 23-22 win over Australia in Sydney last Saturday night.
That come from behind victory, New Zealand's 15th consecutive test win, means they now sit 9.21 rating points above second-placed Australia in the latest rankings.
Australia's loss cut their hold on second place to 0.34 points above South Africa.
South Africa's five losses in six Tri-Nations matches saw their rating slip by 4.24 points during the tournament.
The All Blacks increased their rating by 3.09 points and Australia gained 1.15 points to climb above the Boks on the rankings ladder.
It all adds up to a commanding cushion for the All Blacks as they prepare for their end of year tour that includes another clash with Australia in Hong Kong and a Grand Slam attempt against England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
IRB World Rankings (last week's position in brackets)
1 (1) New Zealand 94.77
2 (2) Australia 85.56
3 (3) South Africa 85.22
4 (4) France 82.75
5 (5) Ireland 82.03
6 (6) England 81.82
7 (7) Scotland 79.81
8 (8) Argentina 79.70
9 (9) Wales 78.58
10 (10) Fiji 74.39
11 (11) Italy 72.97
12 (12) Samoa 72.74
13 (13) Japan 72.49
14 (14) Canada 69.43
15 (15) USA 67.86
16 (16) Tonga 67.06
17 (17) Georgia 66.38
18 (18) Russia 65.80
19 (19) Romania 65.10
20 (20) Namibia 62.69