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Seismic world rankings change after whirlwind Rugby World Cup weekend
By Ian Cameron
South Africa are back on top of the world ranking after a whirlwind Rugby World Cup quarter-final weekend which saw both Ireland and France dumped out of the tournament.
Ireland suffering a repeat of their RWC 2019 quarter-final loss to New Zealand means that South Africa will replace them at the summit of the World Rugby rankings following their victory over France. The Irish quarter-final curse struck again, with Andy Farrell's men unable to claw back an early All Blacks lead.
Ireland lose the top spot for the first time in over 12 months, as their 17-game unbeaten streak was brought to a dramatic end by Ian Foster's avenging All Blacks.
England's narrow win over the lower-ranked Fiji in Marseille sees them climb above Scotland into fifth.
The Flying Fijians remain in 10th despite their loss to Steve Borthwick's men, who are the only unbeaten team left in the tournament.
The fact that Argentina beat Wales and reach a second semi-final in three Rugby World Cups means that Los Pumas are now the higher-ranked of the two sides.
Double ranking points at the World Cup mean those teams left in the tournament can gain significant ground of those who have already exited, that is if they are not already in front of them on the log.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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