Ireland fall two places in rugby 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 victory at the Aviva Stadium in March.

The latest statistics see Martin Johnson’s England replace Ireland as the fourth best team in the world having put Wales to the sword at Twickenham on Saturday.

Frustratingly for Ireland, France have overtaken them even though Marc Lièvremont's side weren't involved in Test rugby last weekend, jumping one spot to fifth.

Wales and Scotland retain their positions at seventh and ninth in the world respectively despite contrasting fortunes in last weekend’s encounters.

Unsurprisingly, 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 on Saturday has extended the gap between the top two teams in the world.

South Africa are now in touching distance of the number 2 position, trailing the Wallabies by just 1.34 ranking points.

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

This latest setback heaps even more pressure on Ireland ahead of this weekend’s meeting with France in Bordeaux with Kidney expected to name close to a full strength team.