Ireland have climbed to second place in the men’s rugby union world rankings following their historic victory over New Zealand.
The 23-12 second Test success – Ireland’s first win against the All Blacks on New Zealand soil – set up a series decider in Wellington next Saturday.
And they will encounter an All Blacks side dealt a further setback by dropping to an all-time low ranking position of fourth.
READ MORE: Keith Earls captains Ireland for first time as 15 changes made for Māori All Blacks clash
Ireland would have gone top, but Will Jordan’s late try in Dunedin brought the winning margin below the 16 points required.
Reigning Guinness Six Nations champions France now hold top spot for the first time since World Rugby introduced the rankings system 19 years ago.
World champions South Africa, who were beaten 13-12 by Wales in Bloemfontein, have dropped to third, with England fifth, Australia sixth, Scotland seventh and Wales eighth.
Georgia, meanwhile, have moved above Italy into 12th after defeating the Azzurri 28-19 in Batumi on Sunday.
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