Shake up.

England have dropped to sixth in the latest World Rugby Rankings following their series defeat to South Africa on Saturday evening – their fifth straight Test defeat.

Eddie Jones’ men began the year in 2nd place, some distance ahead of Ireland, with the All Blacks in sight. Former England centre Will Greenwood even backed them to overtake New Zealand by the end of 2018.

But a disastrous Six Nations campaign, losing to Ireland, France and Scotland, saw them finish second from bottom in the final standings. Ireland meanwhile won the Grand Slam, and defeated Australia over the weekend, leaving them now comfortably in 2nd – some distance ahead of the chasing pack.

While England have been the biggest losers in terms of rankings, Wales meanwhile have quietly gone about their business, jumping to third in the world, after beginning the year as low as seventh position.

A second place finish in the Six Nations, coupled with a summer series clean sweep over South Africa and Argentina (2), means they are now on 85.94 points, just ahead of Australia who are on 85.41 points.

South Africa are up to fifth thanks to their recent resurgence under Rassie Erasmus, while Scotland drop a place to seventh following their shock loss to the USA Eagles in the early hours of Sunday morning.