Twickenham victory lifts Wales into second place in world rankings

Wales achieve highest position in 12-year 

history of weekly table, while England slip to sixth and Scotland rise 

three places

LONDON, Sept 28 - Wales not only dented England’s hopes of progressing from Pool A of RWC 2015 with their 28-25 victory at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, they also climbed two places to second in the world rankings as a result.

Thanks to Gareth Davies’ try and the kicking of Dan Biggar, Warren Gatland’s team have moved into uncharted territory, havingnever previously been higher than fourth place since the rankings began in October 2003. While Wales can celebrate (pictured, led by captain Sam Warburton), England slip three places to sixth.

Under the points exchange system used to calculate rankings, sides take points off each other based on the match result; whatever one side gains, the other loses. Such points exchanges are doubled during Rugby World Cup to recognise the unique importance of this event.

Reigning world champions New Zealand remain in first place, ahead of Wales. Australia, Ireland and South Africa complete the top five.

SCOTS ON CLIMB

The big climbers inside the top 20 nations are Scotland, who rise three places to ninth after back-to-back victories at RWC 2015.

Georgia fall two places to 15 as a result of their heavy defeat in Pool C by Argentina on Friday.

There was one match outside Rugby World Cup 2015 over the weekend, Belgium running out 48-20 winners over hosts Sweden in the European Nations Cup Division 1B.

Belgium remain at 26 in the rankings while Sweden are static at No 54. The rankings are updated weekly.