Freefall.

Ireland have dropped even further down the World Rugby Rankings following their quarter-final defeat to New Zealand on Saturday.

The men in green came into the World Cup as the number one ranked team in the world but now exit the tournament in fifth place following defeats to Japan as well as the All Blacks over the weekend.

New Zealand are currently top of the rankings with their opponents this weekend England up to second following their win over Australia. Wales are down to third despite their win over France, with the Springboks up to fourth following their win over Japan.

Japan had briefly risen to their highest ever ranking after Australia’s loss to England, but their defeat 24 hours later saw the Wallabies regain that place and France also climb one to seventh despite losing to Wales, albeit only because they lost fewer rating points than the Brave Blossoms.