Ireland slip in world rankings

AFTER a disappointing 10-6 loss to Scotland on Saturday, insult has been added to injury for Declan Kidney’s men who have dropped two places to sixth in the world, according to the latest IRB World Rankings.

Ireland had boasted the top ranking among northern hemisphere nations since denying England a grand slam with a 24-8 win in March.

The latest statistics see England replace Ireland as the fourth best team in the world after their win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

Frustratingly for Ireland, France overtake them into fifth even though Marc Lièvremont’s side weren’t involved in Test rugby last weekend.

Wales and Scotland retain seventh and ninth in the world respectively.

There is little change at the top, with the Tri-Nations teams comfortably ahead of the chasing pack. New Zealand’s impressive Bledisloe Cup triumph over Australia has extended the gap between the top two teams in the world. South Africa are now in touching distance of the Wallabies in the number two position.

Ireland’s other World Cup Pool C opponents are non-movers with Italy just behind Samoa in 11th, USA in 17th and Russia in 19th position.