There were four positional changes in the top five of the World Rugby rankings following the final round of World Cup warm-up fixtures this weekend.

In an unprecedented move, Ireland climbed to the top of rankings for the first time since its introduction in 2003, after their nervy 19-10 victory over Wales in Dublin.

Ireland’s elevation comes at the expense of the All Blacks, who dropped to second spot despite their industrious 92-7 triumph over tier-two nation Tonga. New Zealand’s demotion in the rankings comes just a week after they wrestled back the top spot from Wales.

Meanwhile, Wales’ aforementioned defeat moved them one place down to fifth, to make way for the Springboks in fourth spot. South Africa’s promotion up the order comes after their 41-7 win over 10th-ranked Japan.

World Rugby rankings:

1. Ireland 89.47
2. New Zealand 89.40
3. England 88.13
4. South Africa 87.34
5. Wales 87.31
6. Australia 84.05
7. Scotland 81.00
8. France 79.72
9. Fiji 77.43
10. Japan 76.70

Full rankings
How the rankings work

Photo: @Springboks/Twitter