Irish seek ranking lift

IRELAND may be targeting victory over Scotland at Murrayfield to keep alive hopes of a first Six Nations Grand Slam since 1948, but a win could also take them to fourth in the IRB world rankings and their highest position for nearly two years.

Declan Kidney’s side lie sixth, although less than half a rating point behind current incumbent Argentina. Any Ireland victory — unless Wales were to beat Italy by more than 15 points in Rome — would see them become the northern hemisphere’s highest ranked side.

Even if Wales were to record a convincing victory over Italy, then a win by more than 15 points as well for Ireland would still be enough to keep them ahead of the defending Six Nations champions in the race to claim fourth spot.