Leigh Halfpenny's last-minute penalty not only secured a Six Nations victory for Wales over Ireland yesterday afternoon, but also helped his nation rise two places in the International Rugby Board's rankings.

Warren Gatland's side have moved up to sixth in the standings, while Ireland drop down to eighth.

Scotland's defeat to England on Saturday saw them drop down one place to 11th, having been replaced in the top ten by Samoa.

World champions New Zealand are still ranked number one, with England remaining in fifth.