World rankings: How the Six Nations impacted the top 10 as Springboks’ lead cut
Ireland celebrate try against France in the 2024 Six Nations.
Ireland have reduced South Africa’s lead at the top of the World Rugby rankings following their superb victory over France on Friday.
Andy Farrell’s men were absolutely outstanding at the weekend as they claimed a stunning 38-17 away triumph over Les Bleus.
That dominant victory meant that Ireland added 1.54 points to their total, moving up to 92.11 and 2.43 behind world champions South Africa.
Costly for France
Meanwhile, the French side’s poor display in Marseille is reflected in their new standing in the top 10.
For much of 2023, there was a clear top four of the Springboks, Ireland, New Zealand and Les Bleus, but Fabien Galthie’s men have slipped off the pace.
Their latest loss, which followed the devastating Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to the Boks, has seen them move 3.52 behind the third place All Blacks.
As a result, England are hot on their heels after winning a bronze medal at the World Cup and opening their Six Nations campaign with a 27-24 triumph over Italy.
They didn’t get much from that win – just the 0.34 points – but it was enough to move them to within touching distance of the French on 85.80
Scotland are not too far away either after their narrow success over Wales. They almost let slip a 27-0 advantage but ultimately managed to eke out a 27-26 victory which gained them 1.02 ranking points.
Warren Gatland’s men are in eighth after that result as the top 10 remain unchanged, but there could a number of movers after next weekend’s matches.
The most significant change came outside the top 10 with Portugal, who thrilled everyone at the World Cup, dropping down to 16th following their shock defeat to Belgium.
Meanwhile, the Black Devils went up three to 26th after they secured a 10-6 home triumph.
World rankings week beginning 05/02/2024
1(1) South Africa 94.54
2(2) Ireland 92.11
3(3) New Zealand 89.80
4(4) France 86.28
5(5) England 85.80
6(6) Scotland 84.45
7(7) Argentina 80.68
8(8) Wales 79.62
9(9) Australia 77.48
10(10) Fiji 76.38
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