ON THE BACK of summer tour victories over USA and Japan, Ireland have moved into third place in the latest World Rugby rankings, leapfrogging Australia who drop down a place after their defeat to Scotland.
Joe Schmidt’s side ran in seven tries to convincingly beat Japan at the Ecopa Stadium on Saturday and that result, coupled with the Wallabies’ shock loss at home to Scotland, sees Ireland sit only behind New Zealand and England.
Scotland are the big movers as they climb into fifth with Gregor Townsend’s reign getting off to the perfect start with back-to-back victories, including that stunning win in Sydney over the weekend.
South Africa fall to sixth while Wales, France, Argentina and Fiji make up the top 10.
Ireland conclude their season with a second Test against Japan this Saturday.
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