SA return to second spot
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:12
The Springboks' record margin victory over Australia on Saturday has pushed them back up to second spot on the International Rugby Board (IRB) world rankings.
South Africa brought a halt to a three-game losing streak in style with an eight-try 53-8 defeat of Australia in Johannesburg, a victory which sees them return to second place behind the All Blacks.
The world champions had slipped to third following their 27-15 loss to Australia in Durban last week, but bounced back immediately to reclaim second spot and increase their rating points to 87.75.
However this still leaves South Africa trailing number one side New Zealand by 3.46 rating points before the All Blacks tackle Australia in the Tri-Nations title decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 13.
Australia now slip to third and 86.52 rating points, although this is still over three points above fourth ranked Argentina following only the second loss of Robbie Deans' reign as Wallabies coach - and first in three matches with South Africa in 2008.
The IRB's top 10 world rankings as follows (as of Monday, September 1):
1(1) New Zealand 91.21
2(3) South Africa 87.75
3(2) Australia 86.52
4(4) Argentina 83.36
5(5) England 83.16
6(6) Wales 80.12
7(7)
France 78.99
8(8) Ireland 77.18
9(9) Scotland 76.92
10(10) Italy 75.57
With thanks to irb.com
