England overtake New Zealand in World Rugby rankings after victory over Georgia

All Blacks slipped from second to third after a surprise defeat by Argentina at the weekend

England are congratulated by opposition players after beating Georgia (Getty Images)

Three-time World Cup winners New Zealand have dropped to third in the World Rugby rankings following their surprise loss to Argentina in the Tri-Nations at the weekend, with England moving up to second behind reigning world champions South Africa.

The All Blacks topped the rankings from 2009 to 2019 before slipping to third for a short time after their semi-final defeat by England at last year’s World Cup. 

But they rose to second after beating Wales to win the bronze medal in Japan.

Argentina, who at the weekend beat the New Zealand for the first time in 30 attempts, were the biggest climbers in the top 10, moving up two places up to eighth. Wales and Japan dropped to ninth and 10th respectively as a result.

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South Africa remained on top despite not having played a test since last year’s World Cup final.

England moved up to second after Eddie Jones’ squad thumped tier-two side Georgia 40-0 in their opening fixture at the Autumn Nations Cup.

Reuters