New Zealand are closing in on South Africa at the top of the World Rugby rankings following another dramatic weekend of Nations Championship action.

The All Blacks have moved to within just 0.44 ranking points of the Springboks after their 43-21 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.

New Zealand gained 0.38 points to reach 92.65, with South Africa still leading the way on 93.09.

It leaves the race for the world number one ranking finely balanced heading into the remaining November internationals.

Meanwhile, Scotland have dropped one place to seventh after their defeat to the All Blacks.

Australia climb above Gregor Townsend's side into sixth, with just 0.03 points separating the two nations.

Ireland remain third after gaining 0.63 points, while France stay fourth and England complete the top five.

Wales are also moving in the right direction.

Their victory over Japan earned them 0.99 ranking points, taking them to 77.37 in tenth place.

Japan drop to 12th, with Italy remaining 11th.

All Blacks closing in on top spot

The biggest talking point is the shrinking gap between the world's two leading sides.

South Africa remain top, but New Zealand's latest victory has brought them within touching distance.

With more Nations Championship fixtures to come, the battle for top spot could become one of November's biggest stories.

Can the All Blacks overtake the Springboks?

South Africa's lead at the top is now down to just 0.44 ranking points.

New Zealand's victory at Murrayfield has put further pressure on Rassie Erasmus' side, with both nations still having important matches to play this November.

The All Blacks face Wales next before travelling to Twickenham to take on England.

With ranking points up for grabs, the race to finish November as the world's number one side remains wide open.

How do the World Rugby rankings work?

World Rugby uses a points-exchange system, meaning teams gain or lose ranking points depending on their results.

The strength of the opposition, home advantage and winning margin all play a part.

That makes New Zealand's remaining November fixtures particularly important.

However, the Springboks can also strengthen their position with positive results of their own.

Latest projected World Rugby rankings – 7 November 2026

1. 🇿🇦 South Africa – 93.09
2. 🇳🇿 New Zealand – 92.65 (+0.38)
3. ☘️ Ireland – 88.70 (+0.63)
4. 🇫🇷 France – 87.49 (+0.06)
5. 🌹 England – 85.68
6. 🇦🇺 Australia ⬆️1 – 84.43
7. 🥃 Scotland ⬇️1 – 84.40 (-0.38)
8. 🇦🇷 Argentina – 81.62 (-0.63)
9. 🇫🇯 Fiji – 77.79 (-0.06)
10. 🐉 Wales – 77.37 (+0.99)
11. 🇮🇹 Italy – 76.30
12. 🇯🇵 Japan – 75.25 (-0.99)
13. 🇬🇪 Georgia – 73.94
14. 🇵🇹 Portugal – 70.52 (+1.13)
15. 🇪🇸 Spain ⬆️2 – 67.73 (+0.89)
16. 🇺🇸 USA ⬇️1 – 67.58
17. 🇹🇴 Tonga ⬆️2 – 65.87 (+0.73)
18. 🇨🇱 Chile ⬇️2 – 65.81 (-1.13)
19. 🇼🇸 Samoa ⬆️1 – (+0.58)
20.  (↓2) Uruguay 65.75 (-0.89)
    

Ranking updates via Planet Rugby.