Ireland's victory over Wales had more significance than usual. With the big margin of victory as well as results elsewhere mean that Ireland are now up to the highest ranking they've ever had.
While there are still some games to go, Ireland as back to back Six Nations champions could go into the World Cup as the second best team in the world.
The new rankings that will be confirmed on Monday will look like this:
1. New Zealand 92.72
2. Ireland 86.89
3. Australia 86.84
4. England 85.40
5. South Africa 84.37
6. Wales 82.97
7. Argentina 79.17
8. France 77.17
9. Fiji 76.73
10. Samoa 75.44
Australia leapfrog South Africa and England after a big win over New Zealand, whilst Argentina's huge away win over South Africa causes the Boks to drop down to fifth from second.
Ireland are only narrowly second from Australia, who will have a chance to go ahead of Ireland should they beat New Zealand next week.
Wales stay in sixth, but are now looking nervously over their shoulder at an improving Argentina rather than trying to push Australia.
Argentina are a possible quarter-final opponent for Ireland, and they were fantastic as they had too much for a strong Bok team in South Africa, winning 37-25.
[Alfred Wallace]
