As the winds of change sweep through the international game, the Springboks are still the highest-placed Test-playing nation this side of the equator.
The world champions remain third in the official world rankings after beating Wales 2-1 over three weeks of tightly contested matches in the Republic.
Ireland’s historic series victory in New Zealand means the Irish overtake Six Nations winners France as the No 1-ranked side in the world.
Despite the All Blacks’ first home series defeat to Ireland, the Kiwis hold onto fourth place, with England still in fifth despite claiming bragging rights Down Under against the sixth-placed Wallabies.
Samoa jumped an incredible 13 places to 11th as the biggest movers after this weekend’s internationals, while Chile made headlines by securing a place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a 31-29 victory over the USA in Colorado.
MORE: Sexton ‘couldn’t be prouder’ of Ireland
? @IrishRugby move to No.1 following their historic series win over New Zealand
This is the second time they have occupied top spot in the Men's World Rankings, powered by @capgemini pic.twitter.com/mH1MXbuy1o
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 18, 2022