Ireland sixth in rugby world rankings

The biggest competition in international rugby has come and gone and left Ireland in 6th place in the IRB world rankings.

Mon, 24 Oct, 2011 - 17:45

The biggest competition in international rugby has come and gone and left Ireland in sixth place in the IRB world rankings.

Having entered the World Cup ranked eighth, equalling Ireland’s lowest-ever position, Declan Kidney and his men will be relieved to have restored some respectability to their international standing ahead of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

World Cup finalists France have edged their way into the top three, overtaking South Africa to end the dominance the Tri Nations sides have enjoyed in recent months.

England are the only other northern hemisphere side ahead of Ireland sitting in fifth, with Wales dropping to eigth after losing out to Australia in the third/fourth place play-off.

Argentina have climbed ahead of Warren Gatland’s side into seventh with Scotland still occupying a disappointing 10th place behind Tonga.

The All Blacks stay on top where they have reigned for the last 23 months but would have surrendered that position to France had les Bleus managed a surprise victory in Sunday’s final.

New Zealand only increased their rating slightly to 91.43, but that will be of little concern to the Kiwis, who ended their 24-year wait to claim a second World Cup.

IRB World Rankings – last week’s position in brackets:

1 (1) New Zealand

2 (2) Australia

3 (3) France

4 (4) South Africa

5 (5) England

6 (7) Ireland

7 (8) Argentina

8 (6) Wales

9 (9) Tonga

10 (10) Scotland

11 (11) Samoa