England rise to fourth in rankings

England have become the leading northern hemisphere nation in the IRB World Rankings following their victory over France on Sunday.

The win catapults Ireland’s final foes from sixth to fourth going into the last weekend of Six Nations action, a position every other European nation craves.

Whoever occupies the position later this year avoids being drawn in the same pool as defending champions New Zealand, Australia or South Africa in the RWC 2015 pool draw.

Wales remain in fifth despite their assault on the Grand Slam this weekend while the French have dropped to sixth, just a hundredth of a point behind the Welsh.

Ireland inched clear of Argentina after the 32-14 defeat of Scotland but still lie two points shy of France. Scotland remain 11th, now only 1.36 points ahead of Italy before their wooden spoon decider in Rome.