Ireland Slip To Seventh

Ireland have slipped to seventh in the latest IRB World Rankings, swapping places with Grand Slam winners Wales by virtue of Saturday’s 32-20 Six Nations defeat in Cardiff.

The “Celtic shuffle” was the only change in the top 10 over the concluding weekend of the 2005 Six Nations Championship.

Having gone as high as fourth place following their 19-13 win over England earlier this month, Eddie O’Sullivan’s men are back down to seventh – lying behind France (fourth), Wales and England (sixth) respectively.

IRB WORLD RANKINGS: Released Monday, March 21

(1) New Zealand 90.90 Ranking points
(2) Australia 88.58
(3) South Africa 85.78
(4) France 84.67
(5) Wales 83.08
(6) England 82.81
(7) Ireland 82.14
(8) Argentina 77.63
(9) Fiji 74.17
(10) Scotland 73.48