For the fifth time in the seven years since the inception of the IRB World Rankings in 2003, New Zealand 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.
New Zealand consolidated their position at the apex of the IRB World Rankings at the weekend with their impressive win against France in Paris.
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.
Italy's 24-6 home win against
Samoa - their first test match victory of 2009 - meant that the two sides swapped places, the Italians climbing one to 11th.
Canada's victory against
Russia did not affect their ranking, but did drop the Russians down two places to 18th.
Lower down,
Andorra were the week's biggest climbers - up five places to 66 following their impressive win against higher-ranked Serbia, who fell two to 59.
The IRB World Rankings are updated every Monday at 12:00 noon, UK time.
