The Flying Fijians score a try against New Zealand in the first Test match on July 10. Photo: Photosport

New Zealand has returned to the top of world rugby rankings today displacing Rugby World Cup champions South Africa since October, 2019.

With the results of the Rugby Championship dictating terms for the top three ranked teams, the Kiwis four straight wins and thanks to the Wallabies two straights wins against the Springboks, opened the door for neighbours, the All Blacks to sneak in.

New Zealand is placed on the top with South Africa and Australia placed second and third respectively.

Australia placed seventh a fortnight ago, jumped to fifth last week with the first win over South Africa 28-26 then moved up to third place after defeating the Springboks 30-17 at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday.

The Flying Fijians has been static at number 11 for the past two years and will have the opportunity to move up with Test matches against Wales and other European nations in November.

Top 20 rankings: 1. New Zealand, 2. South Africa, 3. Australia, 4. England, 5. Ireland, 6. France, 7. Argentina, 8. Scotland, 9. Wales, 10. Japan, 11. Fiji, 12. Georgia, 13. Samoa, 14. Italy, 15. Tonga, 16. USA, 17. Uruguay, 18. Romania, 19. Portugal, 20. Spain.