Wales' George North scores his sides first try, during the International Friendly Rugby Union Match between Wales and England at the Principality Stadium. (Photo / AP)

No1 no more! Wales overtake ABs with win over England

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Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2019, 9:33AM

For the first time in a decade, a new teams sit at the top of the World Rugby men's rankings.

After a 13-6 win over England this morning (NZ time), Wales have taken over in the No1 spot for the first time in the nation's history.

Wales become just the fourth team to ever hold the top ranking in the sport since the rankings were introduced in 2003, joining New Zealand, England and South Africa.

A loss to the Wallabies in Perth last weekend opened the door for Wales to take over the top spot. But their loss to England meant in this week's reverse fixture both England and Wales could have taken over the top spot.

Wales are now the top ranked team in the world. Photo / Getty Images

Despite the All Blacks handing the Wallabies a 36-0 loss in the second Bledisloe Cup test last night, Wales simply had to beat England to take over at the top, while England needed at least a 16 point win.

Just six days after being thrashed by England 33-19 at Twickenham, Wales dominated the return match. They scored the only try to deservedly win the first half 10-0, and produced a typically strong defensive effort in Cardiff to hold out England in the second.

The result meant that for the first time since November 2009, the All Blacks are not the No1 team in the world. The New Zealand side only fall back on spot into second place