World rugby ranking

Fourteen months before they host the World Cup, France reached the pinnacle of the rankings for the first time on the back of successive wins on their tour of Japan.

Les Bleus returned home after Saturday's 20-15 victory over the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo, however, so their stay at the top will be brief as the other top teams all play in series deciders next weekend.

World champions South Africa will be confident of beating Wales in the third test in Cape Town to seal their series after a weakened side lost 13-12 at Free State Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland will head to the world cup in Japan as the world's top ranked side after a 19-10 win over Wales.

The elevation was irrelevant however, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said.

"I didn't realise that we were until I did an interview after the game, that's how far away from our thoughts it has been. It's a label, it's a nice label to get but that label is not going to be relevant for anyone," he said.

"We all know who the favourites are for the rugby World Cup and it's not us."