This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
Published on September 23, 2019, New Zealand's All Blacks regained their position as the world's top-ranked rugby team after their opening World Cup victory over South Africa.
The team's decade-long reign at the top of the world rankings came to an end last month, first losing the mantle to Wales and then to Ireland.
However, according to World Rugby, New Zealand would have returned to the summit with a win over South Africa, regardless of how Ireland did against Scotland.
The All Blacks' 23-13 victory over the Springboks, combined with Ireland's 27-3 win over Scotland, sealed their return to the top spot.
South Africa's defeat pushed them down to fifth, while Wales moved up to fourth and France jumped to seventh after their dramatic victory over Argentina.
