Home advantage counted for a lot as the July international window got off to a dramatic start with hard-fought wins for 14-man Australia and South Africa among others.
The Wallabies defied the loss of Darcy Swain to a 34th-minute red card to beat England 30-28 and end an eight-game losing run against one of their keenest sporting rivals, while South Africa left it until the last possible minute to complete a stunning 32-29 comeback against Wales.
Both results were bookended by New Zealand’s 42-19 win over Ireland and Argentina’s 26-18 victory against Scotland in the last of Saturday’s matches, making it a day to remember for the SANZAAR nations.
Following their win at the Optus Stadium, Australia have swapped places with England. The Wallabies are now in fifth on 84.68 points with England sixth on 83.74.
Argentina are now above Scotland in the rankings following their 26-18 win in Jujuy. Los Pumas have improved their rating by 0.82 of a point, taking them up to seventh on 80.98 points, while Scotland drop to eighth, on 81.4 points.
Wales and Japan, meanwhile, remain in the top 10, on 79.27 and 77.90 points respectively.
2022 Mens World Rankings:
