That could all change on Saturday, however, as New Zealand and Australia kick off this year's Tri Nations tournament in Auckland.

The All Blacks are ranked as the world's best team but defeat to the Wallabies would see the Boks take over that mantle for the first time since last August.

If Australia were to win by more than 15 points, they, rather than South Africa, would claim top spot in the IRB standings.

It would take something special for the All Blacks to be de-throned, though, as their cross-Tasman rivals have not won in Auckland for 10 matches spread across 23 years since a 22-9 victory back in September 1986.

Of the four Home Union sides, Ireland currently occupy the highest ranking, sitting behind the northern hemisphere giants in fourth spot.

England are next to feature in seventh place, Wales are eighth and Scotland are ranked 10th.

Top 20 IRB World Rankings

1 New Zealand 90.68
2 South Africa 89.45
3 Australia 86.32
4 Ireland 83.27
5 France 81.48
6 Argentina 81.29
7 England 81.23
8 Wales 80.74
9 Fiji 76.52
10 Scotland 75.23
11 Samoa 73.48
12 Italy 71.23
13 Canada 70.07
14 Japan 68.37
15 Tonga 67.53
16 Russia 67.17
17 Georgia 66.85
18 USA 65.97
19 Romania 64.85
20 Portugal 62.16