The Wallabies have dropped down to sixth place on the World Rugby Rankings as Wales moved up above them with victory over Ireland in Cardiff. It was a busy weekend of international rugby, with the Six Nations, European Nations Cup, Women’s Six Nations and Under-20 Six Nations all taking place.
Wales’ 23-16 victory over Ireland has set up a thrilling climax to the Championship, as England beat Scotland 25-13 at Twickenham, so all three sides are tied at the top of the table on six points.
Australia, who haven’t played a game since November, have dropped to their lowest ever position since the (IRB) World Rugby Rankings were introduced in October 2003.
Ireland remain at third, the highest of the northern hemisphere nations, despite the loss.
England’s win over Scotland had no impact on their rating due to Scotland being place well below them, at number 10, on the rankings. There was also a less than ten points margin, which comes into effect. France beat Italy 29-0 in Rome and have improved their rating by over a point, but remain in seventh place, while Italy stay in 14th.
European Nations Cup
The four matches that took place over the weekend did have some impact, with Belgium the biggest movers of the last seven days after their 17-14 win over Division 1B leaders Moldova. That victory lifts Belgium two places to 27th – above Zimbabwe and Hong Kong – and leaves Moldova in 30th, albeit much closer now to Kenya below.
The only other positional change came as a result of Portugal’s 19-8 loss to Spain on home soil. The Portuguese have slipped one place to 23rd with RWC 2015 bound Namibia the beneficiaries. Spain remain 21st after the Division 1A victory in the Iberian derby.
Georgia ran out 33-0 winners over 19th-ranked Russia in Tbilisi, but only improved their rating by less than a tenth. They are still closer to Italy above them in 14th than they began the weekend after the Azzurri lost to France.
Romania had to dig deep to edge Germany 17-12 in Heidelberg, a result which resulted in a gain of less than a tenth to leave them stationary in 17th.
Below, a quick recap of results and rankings from the weekend of international rugby
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