Rugby: All Blacks slide in world rankings following shock Tri Nations loss to Argentina

In the grand scheme of international rugby, world rankings don't mean much - except if you're an All Blacks fan.

And following back-to-back test losses, Ian Foster's men have slumped to No.3 behind South Africa and England.

For nearly a decade, the men-in-black sat atop the throne of World Rugby's rankings, but with just three wins from their last seven games, that reign is over.

On the weekend, Eddie Jones' England scored a dominant win over Georgia to leapfrog the All Blacks into the No.2 spot they held for a week after their World Cup semi-final win last October.

Argentina are up two spots to No.8 after their stunning 25-15 win on Saturday evening, but Wayne Pivac's Wales continue to slide.

Eighteen months after briefly claiming the No.1 spot, the 'Red Dragons' are down to ninth - one spot above Japan. 

The rankings were introduced in 2003 as a way to simplify the Rugby World Cup draw. The All Blacks held the No.1 spot for 507 consecutive weeks from 2009-19 in an era that saw them win two World Cups.

The current world champion Springboks continue to occupy top spot, despite remaining inactive since their final triumph against England.

South Africa withdrew from the Rugby Championship, due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Rugby: All Blacks slide in world rankings following shock Tri Nations loss to Argentina
Photo credit: Photosport

Current World Rugby test rankings: 

1-South Africa 94.20 points

2-England 88.42

3-New Zealand 88.17

4-France 84.59

5-Ireland 84.57

6-Australia 83.86

7-Scotland 82.28

8-Argentina 80.31

9-Wales 79.75

10-Japan 79.29