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IRB rankings leap for Pumas
13/11/2006 17:35 - (SA)
London - Argentina had another first on
Monday when they climbed two places to sixth in the
International Rugby Board (IRB) world rankings after stunning
England at Twickenham.
The Pumas, whose 25-18 win on Saturday was their first at
Twickenham, leap-frogged England, whose seventh place is a new
low for beleaguered coach Andy Robinson's side, and Scotland.
Australia moved up one place to third after their 25-18 win
over Italy in Rome at the weekend with South Africa, beaten
32-15 by Ireland in Dublin, dropping to fourth.
New Zealand increased their lead in first place to more than
seven points over France, who remain second despite their 47-3
mauling by the All Blacks in Lyon.
Argentina will be hoping their achievements jolt the IRB and
the organisers of the game's top tournaments, the Tri-nations in
the southern hemisphere and Europe's Six Nations, into finding a
place for the Pumas at one of the top tables.
World champions England, meanwhile, must be more worried
than ever that they could fall as early as the quarter-finals
when they defend their title in the World Cup in France this
time next year.
Further down the ranking, Namibia climbed three places to
23rd after they beat Morocco to qualify for the World Cup where
they will meet hosts France, Ireland, Argentina and either
Georgia or Portugal in Pool D.
Top 12:
1. New Zealand 94.06 points
2. France 86.39
3. Australia 85.50
4. South Africa 85.24
5. Ireland 83.81
6. Argentina 79.01
7. England 78.14
8. Scotland 77.72
9. Wales 77.02
10. Samoa 73.86
11. Fiji 73.15
12. Italy 72.89
- Reuters
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