Wales has enjoyed an unbeaten tour of the Americas, edging South Africa in the USA and completing a 2-0 series sweep of Los Pumas in Argentina.
Warren Gatland’s men are now up to No 3 in the rankings.
There was jubilation for Germany, ranked No 29, after defeating Portugal 16-13 in its RWC qualifier.
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The Germans have never been to Rugby World Cup, but are a step closer, and now head to Apia on June 30 and then back home on July 14 for the return match against Samoa.
The Flying Fijians beat Georgia 37-15 to rack up their fourth straight Pacific Nations Cup title, debutant Semi Radradra effective for Fiji.
World No 15 USA won a major scalp, beating No 6-ranked Scotland 30-29 in Houston. It was the Eagles’ sixth consecutive victory and first over a tier one nation.
The Australia-Ireland series is still alive after the tourists turned the tables in Melbourne, executing a 26-21 win.
Congrats @Beast_TM on 💯 Tests for @Springboks. We look forward to meeting you in the @SanzarTRC later this year. pic.twitter.com/glEpaEn7gA
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 16, 2018
Meanwhile, loosehead prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira toasted his 100th Test outing with a 23-12 win for South Africa over England in Bloemfontein.
RESULTS
Ireland 26 Australia 21 (Melbourne)
South Africa 23 England 12 (Bloemfontein)
Wales 30 Argentina 12 (Santa Fe)
Germany 16 Portugal 13 (Heidelberg)
Namibia 55 Uganda 6 (Windhoek)
Zimbabwe 23 Morocco 23 (Harare)
Fiji 37 Georgia 15 (Suva)
Tonga 28 Samoa 18 (Suva)
Italy 25 Japan 22 (Kobe)
USA 30 Russia 29 Scotland (Houston)
Russia 43 Canada 20 (Winnipeg)