PARIS, 8 October - New Zealand are still number one in the latest IRB world rankings announced on Monday but they have seen their lead over France slashed to just 1.25 points following the world cup quarter-finals.
France pulled off a 20-18 win over the All Blacks on Saturday to leap from fifth to second while Australia slip to fifth after their defeat by England.
South Africa remain third and Argentina fourth following their respective quarter-finals wins over Fiji and Scotland.
England, who upset the Wallabies 12-10 in Marseille, remain sixth but trail Australia by less than a point heading into their semi-final against France on Saturday.
Ireland, Scotland, Fiji and Wales complete the top 10, their positions unchanged.
In other news, semi-finalists Argentina have two players in the five nominees for the IRB Player of the Year Award that were also announced on Monday.
Argentina's centre Felipe Contepomi and fly half Juan Martin Hernandez are joined by New Zealand flanker and 2006 winner Richie McCaw, South Africa wing Bryan Habana and French centre Yannick Jauzion.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Paris on 21 October.
RNS wb/gnf/mr
