France have jumped from eighth to fifth in the latest IRB World Rankings after defeating number one ranked New Zealand 27-22 in Dunedin on Saturday.
It is France’s highest ranking for more than 12 months. Although New Zealand remain in top position in the rankings, their lead over South Africa has been cut from more than three ratings points to just over one.
Argentina, who defeated England 24-22 in Salta on Saturday, move up one place to sixth, while England drop two to seventh.
Wales also drop two places to eighth despite not playing as France and Argentina were both ranked below them before their respective wins.
IRB World Rankings - 15 June 2009
Position (last week)
1(1) NEW ZEALAND 90.68
2(2) SOUTH AFRICA 89.45
3(3) AUSTRALIA 85.86
4(4) IRELAND 83.27
5(8) FRANCE 81.94
6(7) ARGENTINA 81.29
7(5) ENGLAND 81.23
8(6) WALES 80.74
9(9) FIJI 76.02
10(10) SCOTLAND 75.23
Position (last week)
1(1) NEW ZEALAND 90.68
2(2) SOUTH AFRICA 89.45
3(3) AUSTRALIA 85.86
4(4) IRELAND 83.27
5(8) FRANCE 81.94
6(7) ARGENTINA 81.29
7(5) ENGLAND 81.23
8(6) WALES 80.74
9(9) FIJI 76.02
10(10) SCOTLAND 75.23
