All Blacks captain Richie McCaw performs the haka ahead of the clash with the Pumas in Christchurch.

The All Blacks have celebrated a remarkable 10 years at the top of the World Rugby rankings by strengthening their No 1 position.

New Zealand's comfortable 39-18 win over Argentina, combined with the second-ranked Springboks losing in the last minute to the Wallabies 24-20, has stretched the All Blacks' lead at the top of the rankings to 6.70 points.

That was an increase of 1.23 points from last week when the southern hemisphere heavyweights eyed their Rugby Championship openers.

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The All Blacks have now been on top for 10 of the last 12 years - a total of 521 weeks - since the complicated rankings system was introduced. And they have been virtually untouchable for the last six years. Their current reign at No 1 stretches back to November 16, 2009.

They seem certain to go into their defence of the Rugby World Cup in England in September on top of the pecking order.

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Six Nations champion Ireland remain the best-ranked northern side at No 3.

Australia have regained fifth place from Wales, four months after falling to a new low of sixth.

Fiji have moved into the top 10 with their 30-22 win over Tonga in Suva.

New Zealand Maori this month beat Fiji 27-26.

WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS TOP 10

1 New Zealand 93.70

2 South Africa 87.00

3 Ireland 85.76

4 England 85.40

5 Australia 84.18

6 Wales 84.07

7 France 79.74

8 Argentina 78.23

9 Samoa 75.91

10 Fiji 75.22