France have dropped to fifth in the World Rugby rankings following their angonising 27-23 Six Nations defeat by Scotland in Paris on Friday.
With a shot to clinch the Six Nations title, France produced one of their worst performances in this campaign as they came up short against the Scots to subsequently finish second on the log behind eventual champions Wales.
In a thrilling finish, wing Duhan van der Merwe scored the match-deciding try in stoppage time to hand Scotland their first win in Paris in 22 years.
As a direct result of the defeat, France have been deducted 1.9 rating points in the rankings, enough to see them fall from third to fifth place, behind England and Ireland, who both moved up one spot by default.
Scotland have climbed above Argentina in the rankings after their tally was boosted by a 1.9 points increase.
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World Rugby rankings (Top 10):
1. South Africa (94.20 points)
2. New Zealand (88.95)
3. England (85.44)
4. Ireland (84.69)
5. France (84.27)
6. Wales (83.44)
7. Australia (83.08)
8. Scotland (82.02)
9. Argentina (80.31)
10. Japan (79.29)
Photo: Getty Images
