Springboks stay top of the world rankings after thrilling Rugby Championship finish

Needing just a victory to secure back-to-back titles, Rassie Erasmus' side got the job done thanks to two tries apiece from Cobus Reinach and Malcolm Marx, holding off a spirited Pumas fightback to stay at the summit of the World Rugby rankings.

The result saw the Springboks add 0.28 ranking points to their tally, while Argentina lost the same amount but remained sixth in the standings.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand had claimed their 11th straight win over Australia with a 28â-14 triumph in Perth - a result that lifted the All Blacks back above Ireland into second place in the world rankings.

Scott Robertson's side gained 0.74 ranking points from the victory and now trail South Africa by just 0.82 points heading into the November internationals.

Despite the narrow gap at the top, the Springboks will take confidence into the Autumn Nations Series, where they lead a top five of South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, France and England.

Argentina's consistency keeps them in the top band of seedings for December's 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, while Australia will be eager to climb the standings alongside Scotland, Fiji and Italy, who complete the current top 10.

Latest World Rugby rankings

1 South Africa 91.90 (+0.28)

2 New Zealand 90.02 (+0.74)

3 Ireland 89.83

4 France 87.82

5 England 87.64

6 Argentina 84.12 (-0.28)

7 Australia 83.67 (-0.74)

8 Scotland 81.57

9 Fiji 81.16

10 Italy 77.77

11 Georgia 74.69

12 Wales 74.05

13 Japan 73.61

14 Spain 69.12

15 USA 67.40

16 Samoa 66.94

17 Chile 66.72

18 Tonga 66.66

19 Uruguay 66.59

20 Portugal 66.44

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