Wales' convincing win over Italy in Rome has seen Rob Howley's men rise up the IRB World Rankings.
Wales’ convincing win over Italy in Rome has seen Rob Howley’s men rise up the IRB World Rankings.
Rob Howley’s men have moved up one place to sixth after swapping with Ireland who lost against Scotland in Murrayfield.
The Welsh had slipped to 10th – equalling their lowest ever ranking – before ending an eight-match losing streak with victory over France a fortnight ago, but now sit just under half a rating point below France in fifth.
Ireland’s second defeat of the Championship now leaves them just over half a rating point above Samoa and Argentina below them, while back-to-back wins for Scotland mean they are within a point of the Irish now.
England have also strengthened their position as the leading northern hemisphere nation in the rankings following the 23-13 win over France at Twickenham.
IRB World rankings
1 New Zealand 90.08
2 South Africa 86.94
3 Australia 86.87
4 England 85.30
5 France 81.20
6 Wales 80.74
7 Ireland 79.28
8 Samoa 78.71
9 Argentina 78.71
10 Scotland 78.19
11 Tonga 76.10
12 Italy 74.93