Week three of the Summer Nations Series saw South Africa and Italy runaway to comfortable wins, and Ireland and France showcase their credentials further.
The reigning world champion Springboks defeated Wales 52-16 in Cardiff in a near faultless display, with Siya Kolisi marking his return to the side with an assist after just five minutes.
Meanwhile, the Azzurri won their first match of the Summer Nations Series in style, beating Romania 57-7 as Ange Capuozzo scored a double in his first match since the Guinness Six Nations.
Keith Earls scored on his 100th cap for Ireland as they eased to a 29-10 win over England in Dublin and Les Bleus defeated Fiji 34-17 in Nantes.
So, without further ado, let’s have a look at how those results influenced the Summer Nations Series Power Rankings.
1. Ireland (=)
The number one side in the world were once again in devastating form in Dublin, putting England to the sword with five tries despite barely getting out of third gear.
Defensively outstanding as always, this Ireland side are on track to do something no other has and go beyond the quarter-finals in the World Cup.
They finish their Summer Nations Series against Samoa on Saturday night in Bayonne in a dress rehearsal for the real deal in September.
2. South Africa (+1)
The Springboks rise up a place after a phenomenal performance in Cardiff, running in eight tries and putting their foot forward as genuine contenders to defend their title.
Kolisi’s return went swimmingly, while Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie and Jesse Kriel were all hugely impressive in the backs.
They now face New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday, before their opening Rugby World Cup clash with Scotland on September 10.
3. France (-1)
It may seem strange for France to drop a place having themselves won but the nature of the Springboks’ victory moves them ahead.
Les Bleus put in a professional performance as they defeated Fiji, lit up by a moment of quality from Sekou Macalou.
They welcome Australia in the final match of the Summer Nations Series before hosting the All Blacks in the opening game of the World Cup less than two weeks later.
4. Scotland (=)
Not in action at the weekend, Scotland keep their spot after some hugely impressive performances against France.
They finish their World Cup preparation against Georgia at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday before a mouth-watering clash with South Africa to kick start their group stage.
5. Australia (+2)
Australia were also not in action and despite not playing rise up two places after England and Wales suffered heavy defeats.
The Wallabies travel to France to face Les Bleus on Sunday before they open up their tournament against Georgia.
6. Wales (=)
It was not pretty for Wales on Saturday but due to the nature of their squad on the day and a lot of big names missing, Warren Gatland’s side do not drop a place.
They will hope they learnt enough from their matches against England as they travel to France, with their next match coming against Fiji on September 10 in Bordeaux.
7. England (-2)
For Steve Borthwick, it has been a difficult couple of weeks and it certainly did not get any easier in Dublin on Saturday as his side were soundly beaten in almost every single aspect of the game.
Devoid of ideas, another red card putting a player’s World Cup in doubt, almost everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.
They return back to Twickenham to host Fiji on Saturday and Borthwick will be desperate for a much-improved performance.
8. Italy (+2)
Contrary to England, Italy enjoyed a dream win over Romania, inspired by Capuozzo and delighting the San Benedetto del Tronto crowd with nine tries.
Paolo Odogwu was another big success thanks to his score and Kieran Crowley will have been pleased with some of the combinations on show.
They end their Summer Nations Series campaign against Japan in Treviso before facing Namibia in their tournament opener.
9. Fiji (-1)
Fiji showed plenty in their 34-17 defeat but ultimately they were defeated and so drop down a place.
They will certainly be no pushovers in Pool C in France and will be hoping to claim their first Tier 1 scalp since beating France in 2018 against England at Twickenham.
10. Samoa (-1)
Samoa defeated the Barbarians 28-14 in Brive but drop a place due to the nature of Italy’s triumph.
They now look to show their credentials against the very best as they visit Ireland on Saturday before making the trip to France.
11. Georgia (=)
Los Lelos were victorious in Tbilisi, defeating USA 22-7, backing up their 56-6 thumping of Romania the week before.
Now they travel to Scotland looking to complete a clean sweep this summer, before playing Australia in the opening weekend of the World Cup.
12. Japan (=)
Japan enter the Summer Nations Series in Treviso against a confident Italy side looking to ride the wave of their win over Romania.
The Brave Blossoms are still without a win against Tier 1 opposition since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where they defeated both Ireland and Scotland.
13. Romania (=)
Saturday was not a good day for Romania, losing second row Adrian Motoc to a red card after just eight minutes before succumbing to a heavy 57-7 defeat.
They must now prepare for their tournament openers, which will not be easy, as they face Ireland and South Africa to kick start their World Cup.
