All Blacks close gap on Springboks in World Rankings

New Zealand have closed the gap on South Africa at the top of the World Rugby rankings following the fourth round of the 2026 Nations Championship.

Both Southern Hemisphere rivals secured convincing victories, while England, Ireland, France and Wales also registered wins during the opening November round.

Springboks and All Blacks Secure Nations Championship Wins

South Africa retained the number one ranking following their nine-try, 66–7 victory over Italy in Turin on Saturday.

However, the Springboks gained no ranking points because the pre-match ratings gap between the teams exceeded the threshold for a points exchange.

New Zealand strengthened their position with a 43–21 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield, earning 0.38 ranking points.

The result moved the All Blacks to 92.65 points, just 0.44 behind South Africa's unchanged total of 93.09.

England and Ireland Record Convincing Victories

Ireland opened the fourth round with a 42–12 victory over Argentina in Dublin, while England defeated Australia 45–22 at Twickenham.

France produced an impressive attacking performance against Fiji, securing a 54–17 win in Lyon.

Wales also recorded a victory, overcoming Japan 28–21 in Cardiff to claim their second win of the inaugural Nations Championship.

World Rugby Rankings Tighten After Round Four

South Africa remain first in the World Rugby rankings, followed by New Zealand and Ireland.

France retain fourth position, while England remain fifth after gaining 1.31 ranking points from their victory over Australia.

Scotland hold sixth place despite losing 0.38 points, with Australia seventh and Argentina eighth. Fiji and Wales complete the top 10.

The latest results leave the Springboks and All Blacks separated by less than half a ranking point ahead of the remaining November internationals.

World Rugby Top 10 Rankings:

Rank	Team	Rating Points
1	South Africa	93.09
2	New Zealand	92.65
3	Ireland	88.70
4	France	87.49
5	England	86.99
6	Scotland	84.40
7	Australia	83.12
8	Argentina	81.62
9	Fiji	77.79
10	Wales	77.37