France get the jump on Ireland - in the rankings

France jumped ahead of Ireland in the IRB’s World Rankings following Saturday’s narrow victory over Scotland.

Only 0.16 points had separated Ireland in fifth from France in seventh going into the penultimate round of matches, but the 19-17 victory – secured after Jean-Marc Doussain’s late penalty — away from home — lifts Les Bleus above both the Irish and Wales.

Ireland’s victory over Italy had no impact on their rating as visitors to Dublin are ranked ninth.

Ireland now trail France by just under seven tenths with Wales only 0.38 adrift of them after slipping one place following the 29-18 loss to England at Twickenham on Sunday.

England, who claimed a first Triple Crown since 2011 as a result of the victory, remain the leading northern hemisphere nation in the rankings in fourth and fractionally reduce the deficit to Australia above them.

Meanwhile France coach Philippe Saint Andre has named his squad for the Ireland game. Forward Louis Picamoles has been recalled but there is no room for half back pairing Morgan Parra or François Trinh-Duc.

IRB world rankings: 1 New Zealand 93.81; 2 South Africa 89.34; 3 Australia 86.88; 4 England 85.68; 5 France 81.44; 6 Ireland 80.76; 7 Wales 80.38; 8 Samoa 77.34; 9 Argentina 76.44; 10 Scotland 75.47.

France squad (v Ireland): Vincent Debaty, Thomas Domingo, Guilhem Guirado, Brice Mach, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Rabah Slimani, Alexander Flanquart, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape, Sébastien vahaamahina, Virgil Bruni, Alexandre Lapandry, Wenceslas Lauret, Bernard Leroux, Damien Chouly, Louis Picamoles, Jean-Marc Doussain, Maxime Machenaud , Jules Plisson, Rémi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud, Gaël Fickou, Rémi Lamerat, Maxime Mermoz, Yoann Huget, Marc Andreu, Maxime Medard, Hugo Bonneval, Brice Dulin.