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It's official, Ireland are the No.1 team in world rugby

By PA
Keith Earls of Ireland and Peter O'Mahony of Ireland share a moment following the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at Sky Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Ireland have moved top of the men’s World Rugby rankings following their stunning Test series triumph against New Zealand.

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Andy Farrell’s team clinched the three-match series following a 32-22 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.

And they have swapped positions with France to take top spot for only the second time since World Rugby launched its rankings system 19 years ago.

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Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell after winning historic series in New Zealand | Ireland post-match press conference

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Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell after winning historic series in New Zealand | Ireland post-match press conference

Ireland have also broken the 90-point rating mark for a first time, standing on 90.03, with France 0.62 behind.

Ireland previously headed the rankings for a two-week spell in September 2019.

World champions South Africa remain in third spot, with New Zealand fourth, while England stay fifth, just 0.68 adrift of New Zealand.

There is then a 4.08-point gap to Australia in sixth, with Scotland seventh, Wales eighth, Argentina ninth and Japan 10th.

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H
Hellhound 4 hours ago
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

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