Ireland spurned a big opportunity to move within touching distance of the trendsetting Springboks in the rankings following their shock defeat to France on Saturday.

The French produced a magical performance to clinch an emphatic 42-27 win that not only boosted their shot at the Six Nations title while also ending Ireland’s Grand Slam aspirations; but it also sent out a timely statement to the rest of the rugby world that the Golden Generation of French rugby is still very much alive and kicking.

Had Ireland recorded a big win against Les Bleus at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, they would have cut the Springboks’ lead at the summit of the world rankings to just 0.90 points.

Instead, it was France who came away with bragging rights, although they would have been disappointed to conceded two late tries that certainly flattered the final scoreboard

New Zealand are now the closest side to the Springboks in the rankings,

but there is a ranking points gap of 2.42, while Ireland have fallen to third, with France right behind them in fourth.

Meanwhile, in a second Six Nations clash on Saturday, Scotland edged Wales 35-29 but it didn’t have any impact on the rankings.

In the final game of the round, England are currently leading against the Italians at Twickenham. A win for the English would move them into second place on the Six Nations table, but won’t be enough to improve their sixth-place position in the Test rankings.

CURRENT WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS AFTER FRANCE BEAT IRELAND:

RANK	COUNTRY	POINTS
1	South Africa	92.78
2	New Zealand	90.36
3	Ireland	89.71
4	France	89.51
5	Argentina	84.97
6	England	84.26
7	Scotland	82.36
8	Australia	81.52
9	Fiji	80.07
10	Italy	78.00
11	Georgia	74.69
12	Wales	73.75
13	Japan	72.95
14	Samoa	72.68
15	USA	70.02
16	Portugal	68.30
17	Spain	67.34
18	Uruguay	67.06
19	Tonga	65.46
20	Romania	62.76

SIX NATIONS 2025 FIXTURES

ROUND 5

Super Saturday, 15 March

Italy vs Ireland

Wales vs England

France vs Scotland

Permutation highlights:

• Italy can still improve their position of 10th but it would require their first-ever win over England to be by more than 15 points. This scenario would be enough to lift the Azzurri above Fiji.
• England can only gain a maximum of 0,11 rating points for beating Italy so cannot climb any higher than sixth place.
• However, defeat will see England fall below a victorious Scotland side into seventh, with Australia also set to climb above them if the margin is by more than 15 points.

TICKET SALES

Remember, if you want to catch the Springboks take on Argentina in this year’s Rugby Championship in Twickenham, tickets are now on sale!