World Rankings: France's rise to No.2 confirmed

NEWS: France have officially replaced New Zealand in second place in the World Rugby Rankings.

With a third of a rating point earned for their 25-13 Grand Slam-winning victory over England in Paris on Saturday night, Les Bleus now have 88.88 points compared to the All Blacks’ 88.75.

France are now set for their longest run at number two in the rankings having last occupied the position for one week only back in October 2007.

Les Bleus have never been at number one but are now only 1.72 points behind South Africa at the top of the rankings.

Six Nations 2022 runners-up Ireland remain in fourth, only a fraction more than half a point away from the All Blacks, following their 26-5 home win against Scotland.

The gap in the rankings between Ireland and fifth-place England is now 3.72 points, while Scotland stay in seventh.

Having lost to Italy on home soil for the first time in history, Wales have dropped below Argentina and are now in ninth place.

Italy’s historic 22-21 win in Cardiff ended a 36-game losing run in the Six Nations but it did not improve their position in the rankings, the Azzurri staying in 14th place.