Romania Rankings’ Biggest Risers

RWC2003: Ireland’s Malcolm O’Kelly competing for a lineout with Romanian lock Sorin Socol, who captained the eastern Europeans to their first ever Test victory over Canada (22-20) in Bucharest last Saturday.

Romania, Ireland’s opponents in next Saturday’s permanent tsb International at Lansdowne Road, are the biggest risers in the latest IRB World Rankings.

The Romanians, who scored a last minute converted try from flanker Alexandru Manta to edge Canada 22-20 last Saturday, have jumped three places up to 15th ahead of their trip to Dublin.

Eddie O’Sullivan’s Ireland remain seventh after falling to a 30-14 defeat to Australia at Lansdowne Road. The Wallabies, thanks to that success – their first in eight attempts, leapfrog both England and France into third place in the Rankings, which were released today.

Eighth-placed Argentina have pulled closer to Ireland thanks to their 39-22 victory over Italy in Genoa. Leinster centre/fly-half Felipe Contepomi kicked 19 points – five penalties and two conversions – for the Pumas at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

New Zealand (first) and South Africa (second) retained their strangehold at the summit of the Rankings following away wins over England and Wales respectively.

IRB WORLD RANKINGS: Monday, November 21

(1) NEW ZEALAND 93.32 Rating Points

(2) SOUTH AFRICA 89.96

(3) AUSTRALIA 84.98

(4) FRANCE 84.90

(5) ENGLAND 83.27

(6) WALES 81.49

(7) IRELAND 80.03

(8) ARGENTINA 78.16

(9) FIJI 74.08

(10) SCOTLAND 73.60

(11) ITALY 71.44

(12) SAMOA 70.97

(13) USA 68.31

(14) CANADA 67.42

(15) ROMANIA 66.47