Rob Howley’s men have moved up one place to sixth after swapping with Ireland who lost against Scotland in Murrayfield.
The Welsh had slipped to 10th – equalling their lowest ever ranking – before ending an eight-match losing streak with victory over France a fortnight ago, but now sit just under half a rating point below France in fifth.
Ireland’s second defeat of the Championship now leaves them just over half a rating point above Samoa and Argentina below them, while back-to-back wins for Scotland mean they are within a point of the Irish now.
England have also strengthened their position as the leading northern hemisphere nation in the rankings following the 23-13 win over France at Twickenham.
IRB World rankings
1 New Zealand 90.08
2 South Africa 86.94
3 Australia 86.87
4 England 85.30
5 France 81.20
6 Wales 80.74
7 Ireland 79.28
8 Samoa 78.71
9 Argentina 78.71
10 Scotland 78.19
11 Tonga 76.10
12 Italy 74.93
