England regain world #1 ranking

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November 18, 2003 02:26 IST

England have regained the number one ranking from New Zealand after beating France to reach the rugby World Cup final.

England moved from second position to first in the International Rugby Board's official list after their 24-7 win over the French on Sunday.

Australia, who play England in the final, also leapt over New Zealand from fourth to second spot after beating the All Blacks 22-10 on Saturday.

The revised rankings mean the two top teams in the world will contest Saturday's final with the winner assured of taking the number one spot.

New Zealand slipped to third place while France, who were third last week, dropped one spot to fourth.

The rankings (collate as current position, last week's position, country, ranking points):
1. (2) England 92.13
2. (4) Australia 88.44
3. (1) New Zealand 88.17
4. (3) France 84.66
5. (5) South Africa 81.23
6. (6) Ireland 80.53
7. (7) Argentina 78.02
8. (8) Wales 76.92
9. (9) Scotland 76.36
10. (10) Samoa 73.46

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