Ireland up to highest ever world ranking of second

Ireland have moved up to a highest ever second place in the world rankings due to be published by World Rugby on Monday.

The Six Nations champions romped to a comfortable 35-21 win over Wales in a World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Saturday.

That, coupled with South Africa's shock 37-25 Rugby Championship defeat at home to Argentina -- the Pumas first ever success against the Springboks -- was enough to see the Irish move up one place behind world champions New Zealand.

Australia also climbed two places to third after their victory in the Rugby Championship, secured with Saturday's 27-19 win over the All Blacks, giving them three victories from three.

South Africa, however, dropped three places to fifth -- England are stable in fourth -- having lost all three of their Rugby Championship matches.

Argentina's win moved them above France into seventh, while Wales hold onto sixth despite their defeat.
Source: AFP