SA return to second place

Reaching new heights: World champs reclaim their number two spot

South Africa brought a three-game losing streak to a halt in the 2008 Tri-Nations in style with a 53-8 defeat of Australia in Johannesburg on Saturday, a victory which sees them return to second place in the IRB World Rankings.

The world champions had slipped to third following their 27-15 loss to Australia in Durban last week, but bounced back immediately to reclaim second spot and increase their rating points to 87.75.

However this still leaves South Africa trailing number one side New Zealand by 3.46 rating points before the All Blacks tackle Australia in the Tri-Nations title decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 13.

Australia now slip to third and 86.52 rating points, although this is still over three points above fourth ranked Argentina following only the second loss of Robbie Deans' reign as Wallabies coach - and first in three matches with South Africa in 2008.

Top 10 on the IRB World Rankings:

1 New Zealand 91.21

2 Springboks 87.75

3 Australia 86.52

4 Argentina 83.36

5 England 83.16

6 Wales 80.12

7 France 78.99

8 Ireland 77.18

9 Scotland 76.92

10 Italy 75.57