AP

Nick Phipps tackles Garry Ringrose during the second test between Australia and Ireland.

Ireland's position on the World Rugby rankings may not have changed but Joe Schmidt's side has opened the gap on Wales after surpassing the 90-point mark for the first time.

Six Nations champions Ireland are nipping at the heels of the All Blacks, who have held the No 1 spot since 2009, on the back of their series victory against Australia.

They won the third test 20-16 on Saturday.

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But although Ireland have closed the gap on the All Blacks and pushed ahead of Wales, there was only one change to the makeup of the top-10, with England overtaking Australia and South Africa, after avoiding a clean sweep in their three-match series against the Springboks.

Scotland, France, Fiji and Argentina round out the top-10.

WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS:

1 New Zealand (93.99)

2 Ireland (90.12)

3 Wales (85.94)

4 England (85.68)

5 Australia (84.48)

6 South Africa (83.32)

7 Scotland (83.02)

8 France (79.10)

9 Fiji (76.54)

10 Argentina (75.55)

 - Stuff