Japan have moved into the top 10 in the latest IRB world rankings following their win over Italy.

Their 26-23 victory in Tokyo was their first over the Azzuri and their 10th consecutive win in a run which has included victories over Samoa and the USA.

For the Italians, it was their ninth defeat on the trot, and they have now dropped to 14th place.

The other big losers from this weekend's international matches were Argentina, who have slipped to 12th, their lowest ever ranking.

The rankings at the top remained unchanged, with New Zealand remaining 4.5 rankings points ahead of South Africa, with Australia some way back in third.

IRB rankings (Top 15)

1. New Zealand 93.81
2. South Africa 89.34
3. Australia 86.94
4. England 85.68
5. Ireland 83.44
6. Wales 80.70
7. France 80.01
8. Scotland 77.78
9. Samoa 76.59
10. Japan 75.39
11. Fiji 74.56
12. Argentina 73.98
13. Tonga 72.58
14. Italy 70.92
15. Georgia 70.46
Full rankings

Photo: Tory Yamanaka/AFP Photo