Rugby:Ireland's mauling of England on Saturday evening not only restored some much needed self-belief for a misfiring side, it sees them climb back to fourth in the latest International Rugby Board world rankings.

The 24-8 Six Nations success saw Ireland end this season’s tournament as the highest-ranked northern hemisphere side behind leaders New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa in third.

England are currently fifth in the world, with France sixth, Wales seventh, Scotland ninth and Italy 12th.