New Zealand have strengthened their position as the number one side in the IRB World Rankings after beating nearest challengers South Africa 29-15 at Eden Park on Saturday to remain unbeaten in The Rugby Championship 2013.

The All Blacks, who have occupied top spot in the rankings for the last 46 months, have increased their rating by just over three tenths to 92.07 and now have a 3.56 point cushion over South Africa with two rounds of The Rugby Championship remaining.

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Even on the back of their first defeat of 2013, South Africa still sit nearly three rating points above the leading northern hemisphere team, England in third with Australia a further two points adrift in fourth.

Australia hung on to beat Argentina 14-13 in the weekend’s other Rugby Championship encounter in Perth to record their first win under new coach Ewen McKenzie. However, the victory on home soil had no impact on the rankings with Argentina remaining in 10th.

The Rugby Championship continues on 28 September when South Africa host Australia in Cape Town and New Zealand travel to La Plata to face Argentina.