France have moved up to third in the World Rugby rankings following their dramatic 32-30 Six Nations victory over Wales in Paris this past Saturday.
The Springboks and All Blacks are still comfortably the top-two ranked sides in the world, despite South Africa not playing a single Test since the World Cup final in 2019.
But following the final round of Six Nations fixtures this past weekend, there has been movement below the Boks and All Blacks.
France have again eclipsed England to take up third position on the list after they inflicted an agonising defeat on Wales.
England were set to be relegated further down than fourth place, but at Jonny May’s late consolation try in their 32-1 loss to Ireland closed the gap sufficiently to prevent them slipping lower.
Ireland, meanwhile, climbed above Wales to fifth, with Wayne Pivac’s side now in sixth spot.
World Rugby rankings (Top 10):
1. South Africa (94.20 points)
2. New Zealand (88.95)
3. France (86.17)
4. England (85.44)
5. Ireland (84.69)
6. Wales (83.44)
7. Australia (83.08)
8. Argentina (80.31)
9. Scotland (80.12)
10. Japan (79.29)
