France, also known as Les Bleus, have replaced New Zealand in second place in the latest World Rugby Men’s Rankings powered by Capgemini.
With a third of a rating point earned for their 25-13 Grand Slam-winning victory over England in Paris on Saturday night, Les Bleus now have 88.88 points compared to the All Blacks’ 88.75.
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France are now set for their longest run at number two in the rankings, having last occupied the position for one week only back in October 2007.
Les Bleus have never been at number one but are now only 1.72 points behind South Africa at the top of the rankings.
Six Nations 2022 runners-up Ireland remain in fourth place, only a fraction more than half a point away from the All Blacks, following their 26-5 home win against Scotland.
The gap in the rankings between Ireland and fifth-place England is now 3.72 points, while Scotland stays in seventh.
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Having lost to Italy on home soil for the first time in history, Wales has dropped below Argentina and is now in ninth place.
Italy’s historic 22-21 win in Cardiff ended a 36-game losing run in the Six Nations, but it did not improve their position in the rankings, the Azzurri stays in 14th place.
*World Rugby statement
