The 21-17 defeat in Coimbra had no consequences for the Portuguese team, which remains with 68.82 points, but allowed the United States to record the biggest rise of the week, three positions, to 16th place (67, 49), just behind the Portuguese.

The ranking is now led by South Africa (92.46), who beat Scotland 32-15, in Edinburgh, and took advantage of Ireland's defeat to New Zealand, 23-13, to move up to first place.

As a result of the setback suffered in Dublin, Ireland, the previous leader of the table, fell to third place, behind the All Blacks.

Despite the defeat to the world champions, Scotland, who host Portugal at Murrayfield on Saturday, moved up one place in the rankings, to sixth place (82.70).

The Scots benefited from the defeat of England, who dropped two places to seventh after losing 42-37 at home to Australia.

The World Rugby World Ranking is now led by South Africa (92.46), followed by New Zealand (91.21) and Ireland (90.58).