The All Blacks have dropped to their lowest world ranking, with Six Nations champions France leapfrogging them, after clinching the 'Grand Slam' on the weekend.
World Cup champions South Africa are still atop the rankings, with France second, New Zealand third and Ireland breathing down their necks in fourth.
In 2021, under coach Ian Foster, the All Blacks compiled their worst test record in 12 years, losing to the Springboks, Irish and French during an exhausting three-month offshore campaign, aggravated by COVID-19 travel protocols.
By contrast, France romped through their recent Six Nations campaign, clinching the title with a comprehensive 25-13 win over England at Paris on Sunday (NZ time). Their second ranking equals their previous best, which they held for one week in 2007.
Ireland still had a chance to win the northern hemisphere competition, if the English had toppled France, but had to settle for a 'Triple Crown' of wins over home-nation rivals England, Scotland and Wales.
New Zealand's third ranking equals their lowest previous standings, suffered in 2003 and briefly over each of the last three years. They have also occupied No.1 every year since the rankings were created in 2003.
Ireland have a chance to drag the All Blacks even lower, when they visit New Zealand for three tests in July. New Zealand face hosts France in their Rugby World Cup opener in September 2023.
IRB Men's World Rugby Rankings: 1-South Africa, 2-France, 3-New Zealand, 4-Ireland, 5- England, 6-Australia, 7-Scotland, 8-Argentina, 9-Wales, 10-Japan
