International power rankings
Stephen Samuelson | March 25, 2009
The Six Nations is over and the dust has settled on another six weeks of internationals. This will be the last power rankings until New Zealand take on France and Australia play the world No.12 Italy.
1. (1) New Zealand - Current IRB ranking: 1 (1)
It's is less than three months until the All Blacks return to the playing field, but does anyone expect France to give them a run for their money?
2. (2) South Africa - Current IRB ranking: 2 (2)
All eyes are on the northern hemisphere to see what Lions squad will be sent to the Republic. The big Proteas, little Boks can start their tilt for top spot with a series win against the Poms and Celts.
3. (3) Australia - Current IRB ranking: 3 (3)
In limbo at the moment. Clearly a better team on a home-and-away basis than the anything the Six Nations can offer, but it has been a long time since they have unleashed a dominant international season to challenge for top spot.
4. (4) Ireland - Current IRB ranking: 4 (4)
Their rise was confirmed on Sunday morning when Ronan O'Gara dropped kick Wales into fourth spot on the Six Nations ladder - and Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years. Will be relishing a crack at Australia and South Africa in Dublin next November.
5. (5)Wales - Current IRB ranking: 7 (5)
They under achieved in the Six Nations this year but surely the IRB rankings have got it wrong. A wake call for Warren Gatland.
(6) England - Current IRB ranking: 6 (7)
All hail the runners-up in the Six Nations. They won all their home games and lost their two away matches by a total of nine points. Perhaps they are on the way back.
7. (7) France - Current IRB ranking: 8 (8)
Little can be read into their win against Italy in Rome - they won on the field and by all reports James Bond lookalike Sebastien Chabal won the fight off the field with prop Martin Castrogiovanni.
8. (8) Argentina - Current IRB ranking: 5 (6)
Have jumped another spot on the IRB rankings despite doing nothing. They do play an understrength England team in June.
9. (9) Scotland - Current IRB ranking: 10 (9)
They have dropped a spot on the IRB rankings, but really, can Fiji claim to be a better team? They were outclassed in the Six Nations but the Scots never threw in the towel.
10. (10) Fiji - Current IRB ranking: 9 (10)
Italy's woes leaves Fiji in a strong position. On the strength of beating Tonga, Samoa and Japan since the last World Cup, they have managed to jump from 11th to ninth in the world rankings. Georgia beat Russia are on the weekend and are now closing on Italy in 12th spot. Nick Mallet cannot last.
