The Southern Hemisphere nations consolidated their positions as the Top 4 in world rugby after a weekend of battle that resulted in the Top 2, New Zealand and Australia, moving through to this Saturday’s final of Rugby World Cup 2015.
South Africa, who lost 20 / 18 to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semifinal on Saturday, retain their position as world No 3 ahead of Argentina, who were defeated 29 / 15 by Australia in Sunday’s semifinal.
The Springboks and Pumas will contest the Rugby World Cup bronze final on Friday and the winner is likely to be the world No 3, with the sides separated in the rankings by less than 1 point.
Under the points exchange system used to calculate rankings, sides take points off each other based on the match result; whatever 1 side gains, the other loses. Such points exchanges are doubled during the Rugby World Cup to recognise the unique importance of the event.
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Away from Rugby World Cup 2015, 4 matches in the European Nations Cup this weekend also impacted on the rankings.
Switzerland climb 4 places to No 34 after a 20 / 14 Division 2A win over the Czech Republic, who take over their previous spot at No 38. A 37 / 15 win away in Hungary sees Division 2B side Lithuania climb 2 to No 42 and their hosts fall the same to No 70.
Luxembourg climb 3 to a new high of No 62 after a 34 / 6 win over Austria in Division 2C, their hosts fall 2 places to No 82. Meanwhile, in Division 2D Bulgaria remain at No 90 following a 34 / 15 win over Finland, who fall 2 places to No 93.