England have replaced Ireland in third position on the World Rugby rankings following their 21-16 win over Wales in Cardiff.

The result at the Millennium Stadium on Friday night earned England a 0.98 of a point increase from 84.85 to 85.83 rating points. Wales remain sixth, despite a 0.98 decrease from 81.64 to 80.66. 

After their hard-fought 15-8 win over Scotland, seventh-placed France banked a 0.61 of a point increase from 79.66 to 80.27, narrowing the gap between Les Bleus and Warren Gatland's men to just 0.39 of a point.

Vern Cotter's Scotland slip from eighth to ninth, below Argertina, dropping from 78.78 to 78.16 ranking points.

The result between Ireland and Italy in Rome had no impact on the ratings, because Italy are ranked so low.

World Rugby rankings: 

1. New Zealand (93.70)
2. South Africa (88.23)
3. England (85.83)
4. Ireland (85.48)
5. Australia (82.95)
6. Wales (80.66)
7. France (80.27)
8. Argentina (78.23)
9. Scotland (78.16)
10. Samoa (75.39)
Full rankings
How the rankings work

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