SATURDAY’S HISTORIC WIN against Australia in Eden Park has propelled Ireland back up to sixth place as the latest IRB World Rankings were released this morning.
The bounce comes just three weeks after Declan Kidney’s men dropped to an all-time low of eighth following a string of dismal defeats in the pre-tournament warm-ups.
A hard-fought 15-6 victory over the Tri-Nations champions saw Ireland overtake Six Nations rivals Wales and Scotland, both of whom drop one place each, while Australia have slipped to third as a result.
New Zealand remain at the top of the pile, with defending world champions South Africa moving up one place into second.
England and France — one of whom looks likely to await Ireland should they make the semi-finals — round out the top five.
