SCOTLAND’S 53-24 WIN over Australia has ensured Ireland move ahead of the Wallabies into third place in rugby’s latest world rankings.
The 21-point defeat cost Michael Cheika’s men 1.8 rating points and, with Ireland remaining on 86.39 following their victory over Argentina, it was enough for the two sides trade places.
Despite their defeat in Dublin, Argentina actually move up one spot to eighth because of France’s 23-23 draw with Japan — a result that could have been worse for Les Bleus were it not for Yu Tamura’s missed conversion .
The draw sees Guy Noves’s outfit fall to ninth.
They are the only moves inside the top-10 with New Zealand remaining in first spot on 93.99 points, followed by England on 90.87.
South Africa, Scotland and Wales occupy fifth, sixth and seventh spots respectively while Fiji’s win over Canada sees them hold on to tenth place.
WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS
(Last week’s positions in brackets)
1 (1) New Zealand – 93.99
2 (2) England – 90.87
3 (4) Ireland – 86.39
4 (3) Australia – 85.49
5 (5) South Africa – 84.90
6 (6) Scotland – 84.11
7 (7) Wales – 80.98
8 (9) Argentina – 78.22
9 (8) France – 78.09
10 (10) Fiji – 77.93
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
The42 Podcasts / SoundCloud
