All Blacks first, daylight second

Rugby's latest world rankings have reaffirmed what has been apparent for the last two months - the All Blacks are light years ahead of the chasing pack.

New Zealand have climbed to the highest points total of any team since the rankings were introduced in 2003, sitting on 96.57.

The margin back to second-ranked England of 7.08 points is also the biggest lead ever held, following the All Balcks' dominant 3-0 home sweep of Wales and an unchallenged romp through the Rugby Championship.

Currently on a world record 17-Test winning run, the All Blacks haven't budged from top spot since claiming it from the Springboks seven years ago, a period which has encompassed two World Cup wins.

South Africa's recent woes are reflected in a drop to fourth behind Australia.

Argentina fall to ninth after finishing last in the Rugby Championship, having notched just one win.

Leading rankings:

1 New Zealand; 2, England; 3 Australia; 4 South Africa; 5 Wales; 6 Ireland; 7 France; 8 Scotland..