Ireland ascend in World Rugby Women’s Rankings

In the only change to the World Rugby Women's Rankings, Ireland have replaced Italy in seventh place after beating the Azzurre 29-8.

With 1.31 rating points riding on the outcome, Ireland now find themselves as the higher-ranked of the two teams.

Ireland started the day one place below the Azzurre but the victory has boosted their score to 76.00 points while Italy’s has been cut to 75.12, leaving them in eighth place.

England still hold a commanding 7.68-point lead at the top of the rankings over New Zealand after making it three wins from three in front of a sell-out Kingsholm crowd.

14,689 spectators were in attendance as England ran in 10 tries, with Lark Davies and Jess Breach scoring two apiece in a 58-5 victory.

While Wales stay in ninth place, Italy’s defeat to Ireland means the gap between themselves and the Azzurre is down to 1.49 points.

No rating points were won or lost in that game, nor in Glasgow where France also picked up a bonus-point win thanks to an impressive first-half performance.

A double from Laure Sansus and tries from Jessy Tremouliere and captain Gaëlle Hermet had Les Bleues leading by 28-3 at half-time, with Scotland’s only points coming from the boot of Helen Nelson.

France were on the defensive for much of the second half but a Chloe Rollie try 10 minutes from time was all that Scotland had to show for their efforts.

Current Top 10 Rankings:

1. England

2. New Zealand

3. France

4. Canada

5. Australia

6. USA

7. Ireland

8. Italy

9. Wales

10. Scotland