Ireland have slipped back to seventh in the IRB World Rankings, after reaching as high as fifth after victories against Australia and Italy in the World Cup.
A terrible run of form prior to the World Cup saw Declan Kidney’s men enter the tournament in eight spot, equalling their lowest ever position.
The quarter-final stage of the World Cup had a significant bearing on the rankings with Wales jumping from sixth to fourth at the expense of both England and Ireland while France restored pride by reaching fifth having slumped to a lowly eight place after losing to Tonga.
The list will prove difficult reading for Scottish rugby fans who have seen their side fall to 10th in the world behind Argentina (eight) and Tonga (ninth).
The meeting of Australia and New Zealand at Eden Park on Sunday will determine who tops the World Rankings. A Wallaby victory would end New Zealand’s 23-month stay at the summit, while a Kiwi triumph would extend their gap at the top.