Defeats for Wales, France, Ireland and Scotland in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals have resulted in an all-southern hemisphere top four in the world rankings for the first time since March 2009.

The four nations through to the semi-finals now occupy the leading positions in the rankings, Argentina climbing to fourth following their stunning 43-20 victory over Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

New Zealand, who emphatically confirmed their standing as tournament favourites by trouncing France 62-13 in Cardiff, remain top, ahead of Australia and South Africa.

Wales are the highest-ranked country from the northern hemisphere, in fifth, with Ireland – third ahead of their meeting with Argentina – slipping to sixth.

France, England, Scotland and Japan round off the top 10.