Ireland are poised to make a huge leap in the men’s rugby world rankings after their historic victory against New Zealand on Saturday.
For the first time in the history of the match, Ireland managed to win on New Zealand soil with an excellent performance.
Irish hopes of climbing to the top of the world rankings were dashed, however, thanks to a late All Blacks try in Dunedin.
Ireland led the hosts 23-7 in the dying minutes but Will Jordan’s late sprint on the shutout secured a consolation try for 14-man New Zealand.
It looks like the try had a major effect on the world rankings, as Ireland missed out on top spot because of it.
Victory in Dunedin gave Ireland 1.55 ranking points, boosting them to second place overall and up to a total of just under 89 points.
Ahead of Ireland, France will top the rankings for the very first time when the latest rankings are officially unveiled on Monday.
Fabian Galthie’s side didn’t receive many points for their back-to-back wins over Japan, but their consistency pushed them to the top.
The big surprise of the weekend is with the world champions, as Wales surprised the Springboks by winning on South African soil.
It is the first ever Test victory for Wales in South Africa, and the result saw the 2019 World Cup champions slip from first to third.
New Zealand are in fourth while England are set to edge past Australia and enter the top five after beating the Wallabies on Saturday.
