Sunday, 20 October 2019:

TOLU LATU poses for a headshot during the Australian Wallabies Player Camp at the AIS in Canberra, Australia.

The Wallabies have dropped below Japan in the world rankings after their Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit but there could be worse to come.

Australia's 40-16 loss to England saw them dip one place to seventh, having been leapfrogged by tier two tournament darlings Japan.

It is the Wallabies' equal lowest ranking since World Rugby's ratings system was introduced in 2003.

They could slump even further when the rankings update next weekend although it would require upset results in the two quarter-finals played on Sunday.

Japan must beat South Africa to stay in front of Australia while eighth-placed France could climb four places if successful against Wales.

England climbed to No.2, setting the scene for an epic semi-final against New Zealand, who retained top spot courtesy of their 46-14 quarter-final crushing of Ireland.

Wales (third) and Ireland (fifth) both dropped a spot while South Africa improved one spot to fourth.

AAP