World Cup favourites New Zealand have overtaken England at the top of the International Rugby Board world rankings after their resounding 29-9 quarter-final defeat of South Africa last weekend.

Six Nations champions England had held the top spot since the IRB rankings began in September, but have dropped to second place after their unconvincing 28-17 defeat of Wales.

Rugby World Cup 2003 QFs England outlast Wales France demolish Ireland Kiwis prove too strong for Springboks Wallabies waltz past gritty Scots

The All Blacks jumped past England because their quarter-final opponents, the Springboks, were ranked sixth compared with Wales's eighth position before the quarter-finals, earning them more weighted ranking points for their victory.

France leapfrogged defending champions Australia into third place after their impressive 43-21 defeat of Ireland.

Australia have dropped to fourth position after their 33-16 defeat of ninth-ranked Scotland.

South Africa replace Ireland in fifth spot, the Irish falling to sixth place.

The rankings (collate as current ranking, previous ranking, country, ranking points):
1. (2) New Zealand 90.41
2. (1) England 90.24
3. (4) France 86.55
4. (3) Australia 86.20
5. (6) South Africa 81.23
6. (5) Ireland 80.53
7. (7) Argentina 78.02
8. (8) Wales 76.92
9. (9) Scotland 76.36
10. (10) Samoa 73.46