Wales coach Warren Gatland says he was more pleased with their performance in the 13-6 win over England than their move to first place in the World Rugby rankings.

George North scored a converted try which proved to be that difference in a victory over England in Cardiff on Saturday, allowing Wales to surpass New Zealand at the top of the rankings.

New Zealand, who demolished the Wallabies 36-0 on Saturday to claim the Bledisloe Cup, had held onto top spot in the rankings since November 2009.

However, Gatland did not make much of Wales’ move to number one in the world and instead emphasised the character his side showed against England.

‘It’s just a number, isn’t it,’ Gatland said. ‘It is a nice accolade to have, but it is all about the next few months and backing that up by performing well in the World Cup, and we’ve a couple of games against Ireland to go as well.

‘It’s nice for a day, but we won’t be shouting from the rooftops about it. We have got to keep things in perspective. Lots of journalists will be out there saying “this is a joke” — probably Kiwi journalists more than anything! It’s just a number.

‘I said to the boys in the changing room, we showed massive character and big cojones.’

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