Ireland’s 23-13 defeat to New Zealand on Friday night at the Aviva Stadium has seen them lose their place at number one in the world rankings as they drop to third after South Africa beat Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The All Blacks’ win moved them above Ireland in the world rankings and Scott Robertson’s team move into second place.
Having beaten South Africa in Durban last July to claim first place, Ireland regained the number one ranking after the Springboks lost to Argentina in the penultimate round of the Rugby Championship. But South Africa can now stay in first place after beating Scotland.
Why Ireland won’t push the panic button after All Blacks defeat
Ireland play Argentina next in the Autumn Series at the Aviva Stadium, with kick-off at 8.10pm on Friday. South Africa face England at Twickenham on Saturday, with kick-off at 5.45pm, then New Zealand play France at the Stade de France in Paris at 8.10pm on Saturday, thus the rankings could well change again next week.
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