France will officially become the best team in the world when World Rugby updates its rankings. Fabien Galthie’s team was scraped by Japan 15-20 in Tokyo, only to sweep their hosts in the two-game series. The Six Nations Grand Slam winners have climbed to number one for the first time since the rankings got introduced in 2003.

South Africa’s narrow loss to Wales cared of a last-minute Gareth Anscombe penalty that saw Jacques Ninaber’s side drop to the third position. Ireland's win over New Zealand in Dunedin has seen them jump to second, while All Blacks got down to fourth which is their lowest ranking ever. Ireland would actually claim the number one position if they were not for conceding a late try to the All Blacks, meaning that their margin of victory was less than 15 points.

It was incredibly close at the top of the rankings with any of the four teams capable of taking the top position two weekends in a row. England changed places with Australia once again after their win over the Wallabies in the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Eddie Jones’ team climbed to the fifth position and Australia got back to sixth. The Wallabies could get that place if they win the decider in Sydney next weekend.