England have moved back up to third place, while France climbed to fourth in the World Rugby rankings following this past weekend’s Six Nations results.

As was the case last week, South Africa and New Zealand remain the top-two ranked sides in the world. The movement took place below them between the Six Nations teams.

England’s 33-0 thrashing of Italy in Rome was enough to elevate them back to third position, some way behind the Springboks and All Blacks.

Following their enthralling 30-24 win over Ireland in Paris, France – who are the only unbeaten team left in the competition – have risen one spot from fifth to fourth.

That agonising defeat has dropped Ireland two places from third to fifth, below England and France.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s 20-17 defeat by Wales cost them one rankings position, as they are relegated to seventh with Australia moving to sixth by default.

The eighth-placed Wales’ ranking is unchanged.