The All Blacks have strengthened their foothold at the top of the rugby world.
Their great escape against the Springboks in Pretoria on Sunday (NZ time) has seen the world champions edge further ahead of their closest rival on World Rugby's official rankings.
The 0.44 points earned lifts them to 92.96 in the rankings, above Ireland’s 90.12. Wales sit in third place with 85.94.
South Africa drop 0.44 points after they conceded 19-straight points to lose to NZ at the death, but maintain their spot in fifth.
The Wallabies remain in seventh place, despite their mighty comeback in Argentina.
The All Blacks will have an opportunity to further extend their lead when they take on Ireland and fourth-placed England on their annual European tour next month.
They'll next take on Australia in the dead-rubber third Bledisloe Cup test in Yokohama, Japan on October 27, before playing Japan, England, Ireland, and Italy.
World rugby rankings - Top 20
1. New Zealand 92.96
2. Ireland 90.12
3. Wales 85.94
4. England 85.68
5. South Africa 83.52
6. Scotland 83.02
7. Australia 82.86
8. France 79.10
9. Argentina 78.01
10. Fiji 76.54
11. Japan 75.24
12. Tonga 73.84
13. Georgia 73.13
14. Italy 72.56
15. USA 71.66
16. Samoa 68.28
17. Romania 68.25
18. Uruguay 65.37
19. Russia 64.89
20. Spain 63.09
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