Ireland claim top position in World Rugby Rankings

Ireland have claimed the top position in the World Rugby Rankings following their historic series win over New Zealand in the recently concluded summer series.

Tries from Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan, Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring ensured Andy Farrell's men completed a 32-22 win in the third Test in Wellington to seal a 2-1 series victory.

It was also their first series win over the All Blacks having registered their first victory over the All Blacks in the Kiwi soil a week earlier in Dunedin.

The result meant Ireland now have 90.03 rating points to the top of the table while France, who did not play a game last weekend have slipped to the second position at 89.41 rating points. New Zealand continue to remain at fourth place - their lowest ever ranking - with 86.93 points.

England's win over Australia did not change the position of ranking for both the teams as they remain at fifth and sixth respectively but Eddie Jones' men now have closed their gap with the All Blacks to 0.68 rating points.

Meanwhile, South Africa continue to be positioned third following a win over Wales in the third and deciding Test while Wales are at eighth.

Ireland and France swapping are the only changes in the top 10 but Samoa, Tonga and Uruguay have climbed two places respectively to be positioned 11th, 16th and 18th respectively.