Showing the weakness of the IRB ranking algorithm:

1. (1) NEW ZEALAND 94.59
2. (2) FRANCE 85.94
3. (4) Ranking Climber AUSTRALIA 85.55
4. (5) Ranking Climber SOUTH AFRICA 84.71
5. (3) Ranking Faller IRELAND 84.68

South Africa and Australia have climbed above Ireland owing to to the Ireland vs Pacific Islands game not being counted as a ranking Test International:

Australia’s thumping 44-15 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield secured only the second victory of the autumn for the double Rugby World Cup winners, but it was enough to lift John Connolly’s side into third place once again owing to Ireland’s 61-10 victory over the Pacific Islanders not counting towards the rankings.

South Africa also moved up the rankings to fourth after defeating England 25-14 at Twickenham in the second of a two-test series against the world champions. The victory, which was South Africa’s first at Twickenham since 1997, may have been the only success of the tour for Jake White’s youthful side, but it was also enough to see them leapfrog Ireland into fourth.

I just wish the bookies would follow suit 😉