France climbed to fifth in the World Rugby rankings following their 27-23 win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Flyhalf Romain Ntamack produced a stunning individual performance to inspire Les Bleus to a riveting four-point win inside the packed and partisan Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The result earned France a 1.49 points increase, to lift them above Wales, who were docked 1.49 points and are now in sixth place.
England gained 0.45 of a point following their 24-12 win over Ireland, who lost 0.45 of a point. However, it was not enough to effect either side’s ranking position as they remain third and fourth, respectively.
There is only one other change to the top 10, where Scotland move up to eighth position following their 17-0 thrashing of Italy. Scotland’s elevation has Japan dropping one place to ninth.
The Springboks are still sitting pretty at the top of the standings on 94.19 points, followed by the All Blacks, who have 92.11 rating points.
World Rugby rankings:
1. South Africa (94.19)
2. New Zealand (92.11)
3. England (88.25)
4. Ireland (84.91)
5. France (83.86)
6. Wales (82.79)
7. Australia (81.90)
8. Scotland (79.55)
9. Japan (79.28)
10. Argentina (78.31)
Full rankings
How the rankings work
Photo: World Rugby
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