Rugby: Wallabies move up in world rankings

The Wallabies celebrate moving into second in the world rugby rankings. Photo / Getty

The Wallabies have moved up to second in the World Rugby rankings as sides put in their last preparations before the 2015 Rugby World Cup begins.

Michael Cheika's side have leap-frogged Ireland after Joe Schmidt's side fell 16-10 to Wales on the weekend, putting them behind the All Blacks.

Australia have 86.67 world ranking points, barely ahead of Ireland (85.19) and South Africa (85.15).

The win over Ireland has jumped Warren Gatland's Welsh troops into fifth place in the world with 84.63 points, overtaking England who have dropped into sixth with 84.24.

All of the sides pale in comparison to the All Blacks who remain on top with a hefty advantage, at 92.89 points, having been atop the world rankings since 2010.

1. New Zealand 92.89
2. Australia 86.67
3. Ireland 85.19
4. South Africa 85.15
5. Wales 84.63
6. England 84.24
7. France 80.90
8. Argentina 78.39
9. Fiji 77.04
10. Scotland 76.10
11. Tonga 75.25
12. Samoa 75.14
13. Georgia 72.16
14. Japan 71.15
15. Italy 70.53