Irish close on Boks

IRELAND remain fifth in the IRB world rankings but are now less than two points adrift of South Africa in fourth.

Eddie O’Sullivan’s side recorded a 32-15 win over Jake White’s men at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

England, meanwhile, fall one place to their lowest ever position of seventh. New Zealand extend their lead at the top of the rankings to over seven ratings points after their stunning away win over France. Despite the defeat, France remain in second. Australia have reclaimed third place from South Africa after they edged past Italy and the Springboks lost to Ireland in Dublin.

Argentina’s 25-18 win over England at Twickenham has propelled them to sixth in the latest rankings - their highest ever position.

The large rating points gap and home advantage mean that Scotland’s defeat of Romania at Murrayfield does not affect either side’s ranking.

Further down the rankings, Namibia defeated Morocco to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2007 and move up three ranking places to 23rd. Morocco, who could still qualify for RWC 2007 through the repechage, drop two to 26th.

Moldova climb one place to 36th after they edged out Germany 26-24 in the European Nations Cup.

Germany fall one place to 28th.

1 (1) New Zealand 94.06; 2(2) France 86.39; 3(4) Australia 85.50; 4(3) South Africa 85.24; 5(5) Ireland 83.81; 6(8) Argentina 79.01; 7(6) England 78.14; 8(7) Scotland 77.72; 9(9) Wales 77.02; 10(10) Samoa 73.86.