Ireland has moved up to second in the latest World Rugby standings, their highest-ever position.
Ireland rugby coach Joe Schmidt Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Six Nations champions romped to a comfortable 35-21 win over Wales in a World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff over the weekend.
That, coupled with South Africa's shock 37-25 Rugby Championship loss at home to Argentina - the Pumas' first-ever success against the Springboks - was enough for the Irish to move up one place behind New Zealand.
Australia also climbed two places to third after the Wallabies' victory in the Rugby Championship, secured with Saturday's 27-19 win over the All Blacks, giving them three victories from three.
South Africa, however, dropped three places to fifth - England stays fourth - having lost all three Rugby Championship matches.
The Pumas' win moved Argentina above France into seventh, while Wales hold onto sixth despite the defeat.
Fiji leapfrog Samoa into ninth place after beating them in the Pacific Nations Cup final.
