Wallabies in rankings free-fall

Wales' 23-16 win against Ireland has seen them climb above Australia to fifth in the World Rugby rankings.

The Wallabies have now fallen to their lowest ever position since the rankings were introduced in October 2003.

Ireland remain the leading northern hemisphere nation in the rankings despite seeing their Grand Slam dreams end.

Their cushion has been cut to 0.21 rating points over England, who ran out 25-13 winners over Scotland at Twickenham. England’s win had no impact on their rating due to the near 10 points separating the two sides.

France were the other Six Nations winners to keep alive their faint title hopes, beating Italy 29-0 in Rome on Sunday. They have improved their rating by over a point, but remain seventh while Italy stay 14th.

World Rugby rankings (top 15):

1. New Zealand 93.70
2. South Africa 88.23
3. Ireland 85.32
4. England 85.11
5. Wales 83.90
6. Australia 82.95
7. France 80.02
8. Argentina 78.23
9. Samoa 75.39
10. Scotland 75.22
11. Japan 74.70
12. Fiji 74.57
13. Tonga 74.12
14. Italy 72.01
15. Georgia 71.27
Full rankings
How rankings work

Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Post by