Rugby World Cup 2019: Semi-finalists England and South Africa climb in world rankings

The Rugby World Cup semi-finals will feature the top four teams in world rugby after the rankings were updated following the quarter-finals.

England and South Africa, courtesy of their convincing wins over Australia and hosts Japan respectively, both climbed one place.

Eddie Jones’ side moved above Wales into second, behind defending world champions New Zealand – who England face on Saturday – and the Springboks leapfrogged Ireland.

Six Nations champions Wales beat France 20-19, though even a larger margin of victory would not have kept them from dropping down to third.

Japan had risen to their highest ever ranking after Australia’s defeat to England, but the Wallabies moved back into sixth after the Brave Blossoms’ loss to South Africa.

France are seventh, with Japan eighth, ahead of Scotland and Argentina, who complete the top 10.

Thank you Japan and your exceptional rugby team for what you have given this Rugby World Cup. What a squad and what a journey!

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) October 21, 2019

Despite their exit at the hands of South Africa, Japan have won over many fans at the World Cup, with coach Jamie Joseph believing his side are well on their way to becoming a top-five team.

“The team has worked incredibly hard for three years, and this year we worked harder than we’ve worked ever before,” Joseph told a news conference.

“That’s put us in a really good position to strive for our goals, which is making the top five in the world.”

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