The Springboks will hold onto the number one ranking for this week irrespective of what happens in their huge game against Ireland.
South Africa guaranteed their position at the summit following a 32-14 triumph over Italy, but that gap was then extended when England defeated the All Blacks.
New Zealand could have closed it to 0.25 heading into this weekend’s matches with a dominant victory at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
At one stage that looked like a distinct possibility as they surged into a 12-0 lead through Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor tries, but England hit back.
The All Blacks scored just
