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Mils Muliaina scores a try - Source: Reuters -
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For the fifth time in the seven years since the inception of the IRB World Rankings in 2003, the All Blacks have finished the annual rugby calendar at the top of the list.
Only in 2003 (England) and 2007 (South Africa) have the All Blacks not finished as the world's top-ranked side, the IRB website reported.
New Zealand consolidated their position at the apex of the IRB World Rankings at the weekend with their impressive win against France in Marseille.
The result also dropped the French down one place to fifth.
As a result of Ireland's battling win against World and Tri Nations Champions South Africa in Dublin, Declan Kidney's side swapped places with France, climbing to fourth. South Africa remain in second place.
Australia's convincing win against Wales did not affect their own ranking, but did mean that the Welsh fell two places to eighth, which helped England and Argentina move up one place each, to sixth and seventh respectively.
Leading International Rugby Board world rankings following the conclusion of the November Test programme (position, change since last week, country, ranking points):
01 (01): NZL 91.68
02 (02): RSA 88.59
03 (03): AUS 85.55
04 (05): IRL 84.58
05 (04): FRA 82.40
06 (07): ENG 80.72
07 (08): ARG 80.55
08 (06): WAL 79.89
09 (09): SCO 76.59
10 (10): FIJ 75.91
11 (12): ITA 72.62
12 (11): SAM 72.09
