New Zealand's lead at the top of the World Rugby rankings has been cut after the weekend's Rugby Championship action.
The All Blacks lost a thrilling game 36-34 to South Africa at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. It was their first loss since October last year when they fell 23-18 against Australia and their first home loss since the Lions beat them in July 2017.
The defeat saw them drop two points in Monday's updated rankings. There are now just 2.40 points between New Zealand and Ireland.
The All Blacks have been the world's number one ranked team since November 16th, 2009 when they overtook South Africa. That is 3227 consecutive days at the top of the rankings.
South Africa's victory has seen them rise two points and two places to fifth in the world. That jump was aided by Australia's defeat to Argentina at the weekend.
Ireland play New Zealand on November 17th at the Aviva. It will be their first meeting since the All Blacks avenged Ireland's victory in Chicago by defeating them in Dublin back in November 2016.
Ireland also play Italy, Argentina and USA in November.
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
